NAB Probes Rs21 Billion in Sehat Card Plus Expenditures
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has initiated an inquiry into financial irregularities concerning the Sehat Insaf Card Plus initiative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The bureau summoned Dr Riaz Tanoli, the former Chief Executive Officer of the scheme, to present himself on October 29 for a detailed investigation.
NAB Investigates Sehat Card Plus Spending
The investigation focuses on the utilization of approximately Rs21 billion allocated under the Sehat Card Plus program for the fiscal years 2023-24 and a subsequent period from July 2025 to July 2026. NAB officials have requested comprehensive documentation related to the disbursement and use of Rs12 billion from the 2023-24 budget and an additional Rs9 billion earmarked for future allocations. These records include bank statements, audit reports, contracts with vendors, and asset disclosures.
Concerns have been raised about inconsistencies in program expenditures, with particular scrutiny on unverified spending and anomalies within beneficiary data. The bureau is also examining reports of duplicate card issuances and inflated hospital claims for high-value treatments, prompting a thorough audit of the scheme’s financial management practices.
Accountability and Impact on Public Funds
The NAB notice challenges the administration of public resources, highlighting potential breaches in procurement and fund distribution processes. By demanding detailed beneficiary lists and financial disclosures, the bureau aims to trace the flow of funds and verify the legitimacy of expenditures linked to the health insurance program supporting citizens in KP.
This investigation is particularly significant for Pakistan as the Sehat Insaf Card initiatives are part of broader government efforts to provide healthcare access to underprivileged populations. Ensuring transparency and accountability in such programs is critical to maintaining public trust and optimizing the use of taxpayer money.
Dr Riaz Tanoli’s cooperation and the forthcoming revelations could set important precedents for monitoring public health schemes in Pakistan.
