For the people: ‘K-P govt should join Nawaz’s health care programme’

PTI should avoid playing politics at cost of citizens: MNA Babar Nawaz

HARIPUR: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MNA elected from NA-19, Haripur Babar Nawaz Khan said the provincial government was not serious about providing free health care to those who need it most. According to Babar, that was why the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government did not join the health care programme launched by the Centre.

“Its lack of commitment towards this programme reflects PTI’s disinterest,” he said while addressing the media at his residence in Khalabat Township on Wednesday.



“Though K-P is second to Sindh when it comes to the percentage of people living in poverty, the PTI-led government has failed to alleviate poverty and provide citizens with free or affordable medical facilities,” Babar said. “The provincial government had promised free emergency health care services and free medicines at government hospitals but it all proved to be a mere farce,” he said.

Babar added people who cannot afford to were being made to bear the cost of treatment. “The sorry state of K-P’s public health care facilities calls for drastic steps on the part of the central government.”

Centre’s free programme

He appreciated his party’s efforts to provide affordable facilities. “The programme, which is being led by Maryam Nawaz and Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar, will turn the country into a real welfare state where people will not have to sell household items to pay for treatment.” Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s health care programme would have helped thousands of patients from K-P get free treatment for cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular and other major diseases, which they cannot afford, he said.

Babar added PTI should have avoided playing politics at the cost of its citizens. He urged the provincial government to desist from settling scores and join the PM’s health programme in the larger interest of its voters.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2016.