Balochistan set to unveil health card
Saira Afzal Tarar says 30,521 families get health cards for free treatment from panel of hospitals. PHOTO: AFP
In a significant milestone, the Balochistan health department has partnered with a leading private insurance company, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an eagerly anticipated healthcare initiative in the province.
Over two million families set to receive extensive benefits through the newly introduced health card program in Balochistan.
“This is revolution in health sector in this province without any doubt,” Balochistan Health Minister Syed Ehsan Shah told a crowded press conference.
Balochistan Secretary Health, Asfandyar Khan, Chairman Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA), Noorul Haq Baloch, Program Manager Health Card, Asadullah Khan Kakar and other officials were in attendance at the event.
Syed Ehsan Shah said that the agreement with State Life Insurance regarding health card is a welcome and positive step towards improving health facilities.
He added that the health sector is the top priority of the government. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has specially directed that the early issuance of health card should be given first priority.
The minister further said that every resident of Balochistan, whether living in a hut or in rocky mountain village or coastal areas, will benefit from this program without discrimination.
They will get free treatment facilities of up to Rs10 lakh, he mentioned. He reiterated the commitment that a formal health card would be launched within two months and a formal information center would also be established in every hospital on the panel.
He emphasized that the media should play a role in highlighting this historic event and creating awareness among the masses about this facility.
Chairman BRA Noorul Haq Baloch said in his speech that health card is a very important social security program for the people of the province. Before this, assistance is being provided to the patients from the Balochistan Endowment Fund with Rs8 billion, Baloch informed reporters.
He said that the people of remote areas will benefit from the health card.
Chairman State Life Shaib Javed Hussain said that State Life will provide real time service. The agreement with the Balochistan government is a matter of pride for his company.
Health Secretary Asfandyar Khan said that the health card will prove to be a game changer in the health sector without any doubt.
All possible support will be provided in this regard. CEO Balochistan Health Card Program Asadullah Kakar welcomed the guests and said that the Universal Health Coverage Program is a unique program provided to every citizen in Balochistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 1st, 2023.