Dr. Yasmeen Rashid says,Punjab govt approves Insurance Scheme for Healthcare Dept

Punjab Specialized Healthcare Department on Sunday has given approval in principle for launch of Health Insurance Scheme in nineteen districts of the province.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by the Provincial Health Minister Dr. Yasmeen Rashid in Lahore.Addressing the meeting, Dr. Yasmeen Rashid said under this scheme, financial protection will be provided to low-income people.
She directed for completing the file work at earliest to get formal approval for the scheme from provincial cabinet and review the arrangements of launching the Health Insurance Programme in Punjab this month. During the meeting, the launching plan of the scheme in Punjab was finalized.The scheme will be officially inaugurated by the end of September in Punjab and within two months, the distribution of cards would be completed. The Punjab MinisterDr. Yasmeen Rashid  said that the Punjab government is planning to provide health cover to all the poor population of the 36 districts of province in coming years. It may be noted that people of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also benefit from this scheme.She said, “The intent of the government is very clear — to provide cost-effective quality health services to all. And this can’t be achieved without strengthening government hospitals.”
She said the existing health insurance policy introduced by previous Government failed to yield desired results, as most of the empanelled institutions are either private hospitals or medical colleges, which made maximum benefits out of it, forcing the insurances companies to withdraw from the scheme. “She said that the policy is being redrafted and the Punjab Chief Minister will soon chair a meeting to finalise it,” the minister said.
“To begin with, below poverty line (BPL) families to be covered under the policy, but later all residents of the state will be covered.” Punjab Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid has directed all medical superintendents of Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) and District Headquarters (DHQ) hospitals to improve conditions at emergency wards of their hospitals within 15 days.
She was addressing a meeting held at the Primary and Secondary Health Department on Saturday. Secretary Primary and Secondary Health Department Ali Bahadur Qazi also briefed her about revamping programme.
“Revamping of DHQ and THQ Hospitals across the province must be expedited,” the minister said. She added that Punjab Information Technology Board should ensure all helplines are properly working and call center staff should well conversant so that people are guided in a professional manner. “There won’t be any compromise on recruitments and promotions in the health department,” she said.
Expressing satisfaction over the availability of free medicines at public health facilities, she said officials should ensure availability of free medicines. Dr Rashid also directed officials to implement the family planning programme. “Robocall Service is a good initiative to provide health prevention advice,” she advised staff to provide this service in both Punjabi and Seraiki languages. She expressed her displeasure over manhandling incidents at some public hospitals and warned that either hospital staff mend their behaviour or look for another job.
“The government shall not leave any stone unturned to enhance the trust of the general public on government health facilities,” she said.
During the meeting, an inquiry report regarding number of measles cases reported in Jhang was also submitted to the minister Health by Deputy Secretary (Tech) Dr Yadullah.
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