The Support at Home Medical Care Program Overview
In Pakistan, where hospital overcrowding, limited rural healthcare access, and financial barriers often hinder quality medical care, the concept of home-based healthcare is gaining momentum. Recognizing this need, the Support at Home Medical Care Program (SAHMCP) has introduced transformative updates to bridge gaps in the system. Here are seven critical changes every Pakistani household should know: 1. Expansion to Rural and Underserved Areas What’s New?The program now prioritizes districts in Sindh, Punjab, KPK, and Balochistan with limited healthcare infrastructure. Mobile units and trained local caregivers are being deployed to villages and remote towns.Why It Matters?Over 60% of Pakistan’s population resides in rural areas, where clinics are scarce. Families no longer need to travel hours to cities for basic care—services like wound dressing, physiotherapy, and chronic disease management are now accessible at home. 2. Financial Assistance and Subsidized Packages What’s New?Low-income families can access sliding-scale fees, with subsidies covering up to 70% of costs for elderly care, post-surgery recovery, and disability support.Why It Matters?Many Pakistanis struggle with healthcare expenses. A 3-day nurse visit package now costs as low as PKR 2,500 in urban areas (Karachi, Lahore) and PKR 1,500 in rural regions, making professional care affordable. 3. Telehealth Integration for Remote Consultations What’s New?SAHMCP partners with platforms like Sehat Kahani and TeleDoctor to offer virtual doctor consultations. Patients can receive prescriptions, mental health counseling, and specialist advice via smartphone.Why It Matters?Telehealth reduces travel burdens, especially for women and elderly patients. A cardiologist in Islamabad can now guide a hypertensive patient in Quetta through dietary changes and medication adjustments remotely. 4. Specialized Care for Chronic Diseases What’s New?Tailored programs for diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease include at-home glucose monitoring, dialysis support, and dietary planning.Why It Matters?Pakistan has over 33 million diabetics—many undiagnosed. Regular home check-ups can prevent complications like amputations or vision loss, easing pressure on hospitals. 5. Certified Training for Caregivers What’s New?The program mandates rigorous training for caregivers, including infection control, palliative care, and use of medical devices (e.g., oxygen concentrators). Certifications are issued by PMDC-recognized institutes.Why It Matters?Trust is a barrier in home care. Certified professionals ensure safe, culturally sensitive care—like female attendants for postpartum mothers or elderly women. 6. Partnerships with Local Clinics and Hospitals What’s New?SAHMCP now collaborates with trusted local entities, such as Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Indus Health Network, for referrals and emergency support.Why It Matters?Seamless coordination between home caregivers and hospitals ensures continuity. For example, a Lahore-based cancer patient can receive chemotherapy at home under hospital-supervised protocols. 7. Post-Hospitalization Recovery Support What’s New?Free post-op care packages (e.g., wound care, medication management) for patients discharged after major surgeries or strokes.Why It Matters?Poor post-hospital care often leads to readmissions. A Karachi resident recovering from heart surgery can now avoid infections with daily nurse visits covered under SAHMCP.



