The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has sought additional funding to address a growing backlog of children awaiting cochlear implant procedures under the Sehat Card Plus programme.
Health officials said around 1,000 children with hearing and speech impairments are currently on the waiting list for the procedure. The move aims to ensure timely treatment, especially for children within the ideal age bracket for cochlear implantation.
According to officials, the provincial government currently allocates approximately Rs4 billion per month for free medical treatment under Sehat Card Plus. Out of this, nearly Rs300 million is spent on transplant-related procedures, including cochlear implants and renal transplants.
However, the increasing demand for cochlear implants has prompted authorities to request a doubling of funds to eliminate delays and provide treatment within a shorter timeframe. So far, around 240 children have benefited from free cochlear implant procedures, primarily conducted at major healthcare facilities such as Hayatabad Medical Complex and selected private hospitals.
Medical experts emphasised that cochlear implants are most effective when performed before the age of five, with children aged three to four considered ideal candidates. Early intervention significantly improves hearing ability, speech development, and overall quality of life.
Each cochlear implant procedure costs approximately Rs2.5 million, making it unaffordable for many families without government support. Officials noted that most beneficiaries come from low-income backgrounds, making the programme a critical lifeline.
The Sehat Card Plus initiative, launched in 2016, has provided free healthcare services to millions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, covering treatments ranging from cardiac care to organ transplants and specialised surgeries.
If approved, the additional funding is expected to help clear the waiting list within months, allowing children to receive timely treatment and integrate more effectively into education and social life.
The initiative highlights the government’s focus on expanding access to essential healthcare services and improving outcomes for children with hearing impairments.
