‘Health card service boosts private sector’

Health minister says over 30,000 Covid-19 tests are being performed on daily basis

LAHORE:

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said on Monday that the private sector was scaling up services after the introduction of the Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card in Punjab.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a lab and diagnostic services on Jail Road, the health minister said as per the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the private sector was being promoted.

The health minister said, “We are seeing expansion in the private sector following the rollout of the Naya Pakistan Sehat Sahulat card. Prime Minister Imran Khan has been striving to promote the private sector. During the Coronavirus pandemic, we increased our BSL 3 labs from one to 25. Now over 30,000 Covid-19 tests are being performed on daily basis,” the minister said.

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“Through Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Cards, we have added 6,4000 beds. Our private sector is also contributing to the treatment of patients. Punjab is leading the country in gene sequencing. These efforts by public and public sector for public welfare are a welcome development.”

Responding to queries of media persons the minister said eight mother and child hospitals are being set up. She said super-speciality units are being set up at Ganga Ram Mother and Child Hospital. She said Pakistan is a signatory to Sustainable Development Goals.

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Dr Rashid was of the view that the opposition has a right to survive and they want to survive through long marches and no confidence movements. She said protest within the limits of law is part of democratic rights.

She added the PTI government was trying to bring improvement in the life of the common man.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2022.