SEHAT SAHULAT PROGRAM AND ITS EFFECTS ON HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION PATTERNS IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN
Abstract
In 2015, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government introduced the Sehat Sahulat Program (SSP), a publicly sponsored health insurance scheme aiming at reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses of the public. Despite the program's implementation in both the public and private sectors, some previous studies indicate a higher utilization of private hospitals services compared to public hospitals under SSP. This paper examines the key factors that influence patients' preferences for private healthcare under SSP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, focusing on the quality of services provided by both the private and public sectors. Data was obtained using quantitative questionnaires on the key variables such as patient load, quality care, resource availability, personalized care, and supervision, influencing healthcare utilization decisions. This study's theoretical approach comprises the Theory of Planned Behavior, Rational Choice Theory, and Social Cognitive Theory. Patients' decisions were found to be primarily influenced by perceptions of better quality of care, higher resource availability, and more personalized treatment in private hospitals. The study provides evidence-based insights into healthcare utilization trends, emphasizing the need for strategic reforms in public sector healthcare services to provide fair access and make the best use of public funds. Finally, this study contributes to a better knowledge of healthcare dynamics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as to the larger discussion on healthcare policy and management in Pakistan.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Health Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sehat Sahulat Program of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Ethical Statement
This paper is a research paper/product of a research project (NRPU-17555) of the HEC Pakistan.
Thanks
Thanks to HEC Pakistan and thanks to Socioint 2025 Conference Management for providing the opportunity to present it.
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Applied Sociology, Program Evaluation and Social Impact Assessment
Journal Section
Research Article
Early Pub Date
August 7, 2025
Publication Date
August 30, 2025
Submission Date
July 11, 2025
Acceptance Date
August 3, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2025 Volume: 11 Number: 32