HEALTH GOVERNANCE IN KP: ANALYZING THE SEHAT SAHULAT PROGRAM

Abstract

Health governance refers to the systems and structures guiding healthcare delivery. In Pakistan, the Sehat Sahulat Program (SSP)—a social health insurance initiative—seeks to improve access to quality care for low-income populations. This study evaluates the program’s strengths and shortcomings through interviews with healthcare workers, doctors, and beneficiaries at major public hospitals in Peshawar, including Lady Reading Hospital, Khyber Teaching Hospital, and Hayatabad Medical Complex. While SSP shows promise in expanding access, challenges persist, including substandard medication, weak accountability, mismanagement, and misuse by private facilities. The findings highlight the need for strategic reforms to enhance transparency, equity, and effectiveness in health service delivery.