Minister urges extra efforts to meet population goals

WB delegation apprised of steps for universal health coverage

LAHORE:

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said on Wednesday that all stakeholders would have to make extra efforts to achieve the targets of population control in the country.

In a meeting with a delegation of the World Bank (WB), the minister said the health department was the key stakeholder in the family planning initiative.

WB Country Director Najy Benhassine, Programme Leader Ubaidal Razzaq and Senior Operations Manager Amna Raja were part of the team.

The minister discussed with the visiting delegation family planning, universal health coverage and the situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

She shared details of measures taken to improve primary and secondary healthcare services.

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The visiting delegation appreciated the efforts of the health minister and assured her of all out support.

The minister said, “Health department has a pivotal role in family planning and all stakeholders will have to go the extra mile to achieve the targets. The government has taken some key steps to improve mother and child health indicators in the province. Pakistan loses thousands of women and children to birth-related complications. The government is developing seven state-of-the-art mother and child hospitals in the province.

“We are battling the corona pandemic with full commitment. SOPs are being enforced in letter and spirit. So far, more than 39 million people have been vaccinated in the province.”

She added, “By December 31, universal health coverage shall begin for the entire population of the province. The health cards are being distributed among the entire population. Patients can get health insurance coverage of Rs720,000.”

Dr Rashid said Rs100 billion had been reserved in the budget for the initiative on directions from Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2021.