PM Imran announces Sehat Sahulat Programme

Scheme is primarily meant to alleviate poverty among low socioeconomic groups

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Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday launched a health insurance programme for the poor and the underprivileged strata of the society.

In an attempt to alleviate poverty in low socioeconomic groups, citizens shall be issued health cards, the premier addressed. "This will bring massive improvement in the state of healthcare for people in tribal areas and Punjab," PM Imran said while addressing the launching ceremony in Islamabad.

On the occasion, the premier empathised with lower income groups, stating that healthcare is often unaffordable for them.

During the address, the prime minister said that "no nation prospers without investing in its people". The PTI government is inviting investors to the country, thereby enabling Pakistan to achieve maximum potential and becoming a welfare state.

PM Imran maintained that the government shall appoint a counsel for a common man to dispense speedy justice.

Speaking to the participants, Minister for Health Aamir Mehmoud Kiani said under this scheme, each deserving family will be able to obtain medical care worth Rs720,000 annually, Radio Pakistan reported.

"It will cover all costs except transplants," he said.

He further commented on the historic move, lauding that this is the first time that such an enormous package has been announced for betterment of low socioeconomic groups. The health minister added that 15 million people will be provided the health cards in the next two years. He said this scheme is being launched in Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, FATA and the federal capital.

85,000 families will be provided health cards in Islamabad and every card holder shall be provided transport up to Rs1,000 per hospital visit.

The health minister said three new hospitals will be established in Islamabad and the existing health facilities are also being upgraded.

An additional budget has been allocated to further the project.

On Sunday, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar underscored the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s efforts for bringing good governance and rule of law in the country. Sarwar apprised that the premier was to announce a health insurance program as part of the provision of basic facilities of health and education was the responsibility of government.