Friday, 29 March 2024, 01:42:19 pm

Balochistan govt to independently run its Health Card Program, NA told
October 20, 2021

National Assembly was informed today (Wednesday) that Balochistan Government has decided to independently run its own Health Card Program for all permanent residents of the province by the end of this year.

Responding to a question during the Question Hour, Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Nousheen Hamid said all provinces are responsible for hundred percent financial premium payments to carry on Sehat Cards program.

She said federal government health cards’ scheme is covering Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir whereas Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also extending this facility from their own resources.

Nousheen Hamid said card holders were earlier entitled to get medical treatment if they are admitted to the Hospital but now this facility has been extended to Out Patient Department in Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hospitals.

She said health coverage will soon be provided to the entire population of Punjab. She said the federal government, out of goodwill gesture, has provided health cards facilities to the entire population of Tharparkar district of Sindh.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan has urged provinces to fulfill their commitment of providing three percent of their NFC share for the development of erstwhile FATA.

Responding to a call attention notice moved by Abdul Shakoor and others regarding non-provision of additional funds to ex-tribal areas, he said all the provinces have committed to contribute three percent of their NFC share for merged districts. 

He said federal government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have so far contributed their due share in this regard and now Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan have to fulfill their commitment.

The House will now meet again tomorrow at 4 p.m.