Funds released for Umer Sharif’s medical expenses

The Sindh government on Monday directed the provincial finance department to release funds amounting to Rs40 million for the medical expenses of legendary comic Umer Sharif.

Earlier, Sharif, who has been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the metropolis, was deemed fit to fly abroad for further treatment and was issued a US visa as well.

These expenses also included an air ambulance facility, in order for Sharif to avail emergency health services as soon as possible.

The federal government has also been approached by the Sindh Health Department for the payment of the air ambulance service under the international procedure.

“Funds have been sanctioned out of budgetary provision allocated under the head of account "SC-21108-Grants and Subventions KQ0055-Grants to Others in Sindh-107101-Relief Measures-A05214-Discretionary Grant-03-Grants for Chief Minister's Directives", stated an order issued by Sindh Health Department.

Read Umer Sharif is well and home, confirms family

A letter was also written by the health department, on September 17, to the provincial finance department to release the ‘foreign exchange budget’ worth $169,800 for Sharif’s medical treatment.

Earlier, it was reported that while the family has appreciated the support and well wishes for the legendary actor and comedian they have also asked people to respect the senior artist's privacy.

Speculation on social media and the circulation of various photos prompted Sharif's wife, Zareen Omer, to comment on the matter on social media. "It's so sad to hear and see people sharing private pictures from the hospital. I would like to state and request that just for some likes and share don't share anything without confirmation Please! [sic]"

She also said that her husband was performing well and was fit to fly through air ambulance. "I, Zareen Omer would like to sincerely thank Federal government for doing the visa process as fast as possible and on the other hand would like to thank Sindh government, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Murtaza Wahab and Syed Murad Ali Shah for bearing the expense of air Ambulance.[sic]"