Punjab Dialysis Program Card 2025 – Free Dialysis, Medicines, and Tests for Kidney Patients
Punjab Dialysis Program Card 2025 – Free Dialysis, Medicines, and Tests for Kidney Patients. Many kidney patients in Punjab wonder whether the Punjab Dialysis Program Card 2025 truly provides full coverage for dialysis. The short answer is yes.
Under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab government has launched a comprehensive healthcare plan that delivers free dialysis treatment, essential medicines, and laboratory tests to patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD).
This article explains everything you need to know eligibility, benefits, registration process, coverage amount, and the latest October 2025 updates in a clear and simple way.
What Is the Punjab Dialysis Program Card 2025?
The Punjab Dialysis Program Card is a new healthcare initiative by the Chief Minister of Punjab aimed at ensuring financial protection for kidney patients.
Dialysis is an expensive, lifelong procedure; one session alone can cost thousands of rupees. The new card guarantees that no patient will skip treatment due to cost.
Purpose and Launch
- Officially launched in late 2024 and expanded across the province in 2025.
- Introduced as a replacement for the Sehat Card for kidney-care patients.
- Focused on providing dedicated funding and modern dialysis units in both public and empaneled private hospitals.
Key Objective
To make dialysis completely free of charge for every deserving patient in Punjab through a transparent and technology-driven healthcare model.
Program Budget and Coverage
The Punjab Government reserved a historic Rs 8.6 billion for the Dialysis Program 2025-26.
This budget covers both treatment expansion and infrastructure upgrades across Punjab’s DHQ and THQ hospitals.
| Feature | Description / Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Limit per Patient | Up to Rs 1,000,000 |
| Dialysis Sessions | Fully covered (approx. 2–3 per week based on medical need) |
| Lab Tests & Diagnostics | Included within coverage amount |
| Medicines & Consumables | Fully covered up to Rs 150,000 per year |
| Hospitals Covered | Government and registered private dialysis centres |
| Payment Mode | Direct transfer from Govt to Hospital (no cash needed from patient) |
| Infrastructure Growth | New units, trained staff, modern machines added province-wide |
The program ensures that Rs 850,000 per year goes directly to dialysis sessions, while Rs 150,000 covers medicines and medical tests.
Who Can Apply for the Punjab Dialysis Program Card 2025?
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for free treatment under this scheme, an applicant must:
- Be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- Possess a valid CNIC or B-Form.
- Be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requiring regular dialysis.
- Provide verified medical reports or referral from a registered nephrologist.
- (Optional) Show proof of financial need, especially for low-income families.
Disqualification Conditions
Applications may be rejected if:
- The applicant is not a Punjab resident.
- Documents are incomplete or invalid.
- The patient already receives benefits from another provincial health scheme.
- The requested treatment exceeds the annual limit of Rs 1 million.
How to Apply for the Punjab Dialysis Program Card 2025
Applying for the card is simple and paper-based — no online portal is required yet.
Follow these verified steps:
Step 1: Visit a Registered Hospital
Go to your nearest government hospital or empaneled private dialysis center listed under the program.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Ask for the Punjab Dialysis Card Form.
Attach the following documents:
- CNIC copy
- Proof of residence (e.g., electric bill or domicile)
- Latest medical reports from a nephrologist
- Doctor’s referral letter
Step 3: Medical Verification
A hospital panel will verify your documents and confirm the medical requirement for dialysis.
Step 4: Approval and Card Issuance
Once approved, the Dialysis Program Card is issued free of cost.
It includes a unique patient ID number linked with the hospital system for easy billing.
Step 5: Start Your Treatment
Patients can start treatment at any registered center.
All expenses are automatically deducted from the government-funded budget — no cash handling involved.
Benefits of the Punjab Dialysis Program Card 2025
The scheme brings a lifesaving relief to thousands of kidney patients.
Main Benefits
- Free Dialysis Sessions – Unlimited within annual limit.
- Free Medicines & Tests – Covers diagnostic tests and essential medicines.
- Zero Out-of-Pocket Cost – The government pays directly to the hospital.
- Improved Healthcare Access – Patients in remote districts can access care nearby.
- Better Facilities – More machines, trained staff, and modern equipment.
- Health Equity – Equal treatment for poor and middle-class families.
- Transparent Process – Digitized record keeping and monitoring.
Participating Hospitals and Centers
More than 150 dialysis units across Punjab have been included, covering major cities such as Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, and Sargodha.
Each District Headquarters (DHQ) and Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospital now features modern dialysis machines.
Tip: Always confirm hospital registration before applying to avoid delays.
Government Commitment and Monitoring
To prevent misuse and ensure transparency:
- All transactions are digitally verified through the Punjab Health Information System.
- Hospitals must submit monthly reports of patients served.
- Audit teams monitor fund usage and machine maintenance.
This ensures that only genuine patients benefit and that every rupee reaches the right place.
Challenges and Ongoing Improvements
Despite its success, the Punjab Dialysis Program faces a few challenges:
| Issue | Current Status / Solution |
|---|---|
| High Patient Load | Government planning to add 60 new dialysis units in 2026. |
| Machine Maintenance | Annual service contracts signed with local vendors. |
| Shortage of Staff | New training centers for nurses and technicians introduced. |
| Fraud Risk | Biometric verification mandatory for every session. |
| Budget Pressure | Government reviewing possibility to raise limit to Rs 1.2 million per patient. |
Latest Updates (October 2025)
- Sehat Card discontinued for dialysis patients; all funds shifted to the new Dialysis Program.
- Free diagnostic tests and medicines now part of standard coverage.
- Hospital upgrades ongoing in Lahore, Gujrat, and DG Khan.
- Helpline service launched for patient queries (Helpline: 1033).
- Mobile teams to reach patients in rural tehsils starting January 2026.
The Health Department confirmed that no kidney patient in Punjab will be denied treatment due to lack of funds.
Why This Program Matters
The Punjab Dialysis Program Card 2025 isn’t just a welfare initiative — it’s a public health revolution.
It reflects the government’s vision for “Health for All”, ensuring that chronic kidney disease patients get continuous care regardless of income level.
By covering dialysis, medicines, and lab tests, it reduces medical bankruptcy and strengthens public trust in the health system.
Comparison: Punjab Dialysis Card vs Sehat Card
| Feature | Punjab Dialysis Card 2025 | Old Sehat Card (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Only for dialysis patients | For general treatments |
| Coverage Limit | Rs 1 million per year | Rs 700,000 per year |
| Inclusion of Medicines | Yes | Partial |
| Hospitals Network | Public + empaneled private | Public only |
| Digital Monitoring | Yes (biometric system) | Limited manual records |
This focused approach ensures more efficient care for kidney patients.
FAQs
1. Is the Punjab Dialysis Program Card 2025 free of cost?
Yes. Registration and treatment are completely free for eligible patients. No fees or hidden charges apply.
2. Can private hospital patients use this card?
Yes, but only in empaneled private hospitals approved by the Punjab Health Department.
3. What documents are needed for registration?
CNIC, proof of residence, medical reports from a nephrologist, and doctor’s referral letter.
4. How long does approval take?
Usually 5–10 working days after hospital verification and health department confirmation.
5. Can patients outside Punjab apply?
No. This program is only for permanent residents of Punjab province.
6. What if my annual limit is exhausted?
You can reapply with updated medical reports; special approval may be granted in emergency cases.
Conclusion
The Punjab Dialysis Program Card 2025 is a game-changer for thousands of families battling chronic kidney disease.
With free dialysis sessions, medicine coverage, and lab tests, the program removes financial stress and brings hope to patients who once struggled for treatment.
