A ceremony was organised on Friday at the Peshawar Press Club to deliver Sehat Insaf Cards to members of the transgender community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The cards were distributed by Trans Action Alliance with the support of Blue Veins, a local non-governmental organisation working for an inclusive society.
Under the new plan, the Sehat Insaf Cards would reportedly give free-of-cost coverage for HIV/AIDS and all types of cancers. The programme would offer medical coverage worth Rs 400,000 per family for tertiary care diseases, which would cover the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, emergency and trauma, all kinds of fractures, head and spinal injuries as well as joint replacement surgeries.
The proposed plan would also offer medical coverage worth Rs 280,000 for as many as 1,000 types of secondary care diseases at the DHQ-level hospital.
Speaking on the occasion, Trans Action Alliance President Farzana Jan said, “Under the Transgender Person’s Protection of Rights Act, 2018, it is illegal to deny healthcare services to the transgender community across Pakistan, but many transgender people continue to face discrimination in healthcare and coverage. Giving Sehat Insaf Cards to the transgender community is a very good step by the provincial government, as it provided a good option for avoiding or resolving the issue of discrimination and made it easier for the transgender people to get access to the healthcare they need.”
Qamar Naseem, a transgender rights activist and Blue Veins program coordinator, appreciated the efforts of the social welfare secretary and director, as well as the health secretary, for their efforts and commitment to empower the transgender community.
“Providing trans-inclusive health coverage is critical for the transgender community. The transgender population continues to face major challenges in accessing and obtaining appropriate healthcare. Formal trainings and revisions in healthcare manuals and curriculums can significantly reduce stigmatisation, avoidance, discrimination and prejudice.”