LAYYAH: Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced universal health coverage through Insaf Health Card for the people of Dera Ghazi Khan and Sahiwal divisions on Wednesday.
Addressing the launching ceremony in Layyah, he said that all families of these divisions will be able to get medical treatment up to Rs720,000 from the government as well as designated private hospitals through the Insaf Health Card. He added that an additional amount of 300,000 may be provided to the holders of the card, if necessary, to complete the treatment.
The prime minister commended the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments for providing universal health coverage to all his citizens. He said that the provision of Insaf Health Cards will become a great safety net for poor people. “I have faith that when a state strives for the welfare of the downtrodden, it begins to flourish,” he stated.
He also said that the universal health coverage scheme will also revamp and upgrade the entire health system of Pakistan. He added that it will encourage the private sector to establish hospitals in far-flung areas and the government will facilitate them by providing state land and allowing duty-free import of necessary medical equipment.
The premier also appreciated the Punjab government’s initiative of establishing mother and child hospitals and solarisation of all basic health units (BHUs) across Punjab. He commended Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar for uplifting backward areas of the province like DG Khan and Sahiwal divisions.
He said that inclusive development of backward areas also helps prevent the concentration of population in big cities, where the provision of civic amenities has become a challenge now.
Regarding recent incidents of barbarism by dacoits in the area, PM Imran announced to take massive operations against these lawbreakers. He said that police and Rangers will be directed to eliminate these dacoits to provide protection to the people.
Separately, talking to the members of National Assembly and Punjab Assembly hailing from South Punjab in Layyah, Prime Minister Imran said that the provision of equal development opportunities and bringing people out of poverty is the top priority of the government.
He regretted that previous governments ignored development of many areas in the past. He said that distribution of equal development projects is the top priority of his government.
The prime minister asked the parliamentarians to provide details of the provision of clean water, electricity and projects pertaining to prevent riverbank erosion in the area. He directed them to ensure timely completion of all such projects.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Buzdar apprised the Prime Minister that Rs30 million have been allocated for Thal jeep rally to promote tourism in the area.
The chief minister informed the prime minister that six colleges and one university are being constructed in Layyah for the provision of modern educational facilities. He said that a new rescue centre is also being established to provide basic health facilities timely.
