AWARENESS, UTILIZATION, AND SATISFACTION OF SEHAT CARD PLUS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Over 930 million individuals worldwide face significant financial barriers when seeking essential healthcare services, with more than 100 million people annually being pushed into extreme poverty due to healthcare expenses. The main objective of this study is to find the awareness, utilization, and satisfaction of Sehat Card Plus at a tertiary care hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a private tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from August 2022 to January 2023. The study included 463 patients visiting the tertiary care hospital. A structured questionnaire was developed to gather data on participants' awareness of the Sehat Card Plus program, their utilization of the card for healthcare services, and their satisfaction with its benefits and coverage. Data was collected from 463 patients. The mean age was 42±11.5 years, with 45% female and 55% male participants. Socioeconomic status analysis revealed that 67% of participants belonged to low-income households, while 17% were classified as middle-income and 16% as high-income. 82% of respondents were aware of the Sehat Card Plus program, with television/radio being the most common source of awareness (33%), followed by word of mouth (29%) and social media (27%). However, only 73% knew who was eligible for the program, and 53% knew the services covered. It is concluded that awareness of the Sehat Card Plus program is notable, but substantial gaps exist in understanding eligibility criteria and covered services among participants. Satisfaction with services under this program is moderately high, and the population has a significant demand for the government to introduce similar schemes.