F.P. Report
LAHORE: Affordable healthcare availability for the common people is the top priority of the government, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday.
While presiding over a meeting held to review progress regarding the provision of universal health insurance in Punjab, Prime Minister Imran Khan added that the provision of quality and affordable healthcare facilities to masses, especially the downtrodden and social protection, was the foremost priority of the present government.
He was also of the view that as the health and education sectors were neglected in the past, the health system became ineffective and badly hurt the poor in particular.
Regarding healthcare protection Prime Minister Imran Khan remarked that the health card will not only provide the common man with healthcare protection, from which he remained deprived over the last 70 years, but will also bring about revolutionary and durable change in health system.
During the meeting Prime Minister also directed for continuous monitoring for the achievement of targets, set for universal health insurance in the province and assured all possible cooperation of the federal government.
The meeting was apprised about the progress made so far after Punjab cabinet’s approval for the provision of universal health insurance to 100 percent population of the province by the end of current year.
The meeting was also given a detailed briefing on the feasibility of Sehat Sahulat Programme, budget estimates and phase-wise implementation.
Mentioning the Sehat Sahulat Programme the meeting was told that under a short-term plan, the provision of health card will be ensured in seven districts of Sahiwal and Dera Ghazi Khan Divisions.
Whereas by December 2021, 100% population of Punjab would be provided with the healthcare facilities under the universal health insurance, it was told.
Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar, Minister for Economic Affairs Khu-sro Bakhtiar and senior of-ficers were in attendance.
