LAHORE
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid inaugurated Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card for residents of Sargodha Division on Thursday, thereby completing provision of free health insurance for each and every family in the province. With Sargodha Division inclusion, more than 30 million families across the province will be able to get free health insurance to the tune of Rs. One million per annum. The launching ceremony of Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card was organized at Sargodha University. Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, Special Health Secretary Dr. Asif Tufail, Commissioner Nabil Javed, Deputy Commissioner
Sargodha Muhammad Asghar Joiya, Deputy Commissioner Khushab Capt. (Retd) Aurangzeb Haider Khan, Deputy Secretary Ali Akbar Bhinder and senior officials were present on the occasion. Besides the team of health department, doctors, media representatives and a large number of general public from all walks of life from were present on the occasion.
The Health Minister said that 100% population of Punjab will now be able to benefit from Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card from today. Last year, she added, the Cabinet approved this program for entire province.
The Health Minister said, “So far 813 public and private hospitals have been empaneled with the Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card and more than 81,000 beds are available.
Over one million families have availed free health insurance from this card. Every day, on average 5,880 people receive free medical treatment through the card. So far 175,000 people have received free renal treatment through this card. Just over 135,000 patients availed free cataract treatment and 27,000 people have received cardiac treatment. The card is being widely used for free deliveries.
The dream of Prime Minister Imran Khan for free healthcare was realized today. After Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Prime Minister Imran Khan is the true leader who always thinks of a common man. He always says he has to invest in his people and the foremost investment for people is on health. The Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card has bridged the gap between the rich and the poor in hospitals. Now every family in Punjab can avail health insurance up to Rs. 1 million.”
The Health Minister also thanked Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department and his team for making this huge project a success by working day and night.
Dr. Yasmin Rashid said that the Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card was the beginning of a journey to develop a just and equal society. She said Minister Imran Khan is forthright person and he is not dishonest like many other politicians. She further said, “Imran Khan is ready to sacrifice everything for the integrity and sovereignty of the country. Those who plundered country’s wealth are lecturing us today. Pakistanis are brave people and they cannot be subjugated. People of Pakistan stand with Prime Minister Imran Khan. I wonder how those who sold their loyalty will they face people? We stand by Imran Khan till our last breath.”
Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi in his address said that the health department was given a huge budget of Rs. 400 billion for this program. He said every family has insurance cover of Rs. one million now. People also have the choice as they can get treatment from any public or private hospital. People can avail indoor health facilities in hospitals of other provinces as well.
Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi further said that the health card can be used for the treatment of a wide range of ailments including cancers, cardiac problems, diabetes, accidental injuries, neuro surgeries, kidney disease including transplantation, hepatitis B and C and some disorders including thalassemia.
Earlier, the Health Minister distributed Naya Pakistan Qaumi sehat Cards among people from different walks of life in Sargodha Division.
