FAISALABAD: The Punjab government has launched the health card scheme in Faisalabad and Chiniot on Friday and Chief Minister Usman Buzdar distributed cards among the masses.

The card distribution ceremony was held at the Faisalabad Medical University where Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, excise minister Hafiz Mumtaz and others were also present.

Addressing the gathering, the CM said 30pc population of Punjab would benefit from the health cards and card holders and their families would avail healthcare up to Rs720,000 at the hospitals. He said the government would also provide transportation charges to the patients besides free follow-up facility.

Says 22pc population of Faisalabad to benefit from the scheme

“The limit of the health card is Rs720,000 but it could be increased following the requirement.”

Mr Buzdar added that the private infirmaries would provide eight types of surgeries to the card holders. As many as 22pc population of Faisalabad district and 23pc of Chiniot district would get health cards, he said and added that the government would launch the Sehat Insaf Card programme across the province.

“Sensing the importance of the health card scheme, Prime Minister Imran Khan had inaugurated the project as the PTI government had been working extensively for the poor segment of the society.”

Talking about the annual development plan, the CM said the government had allocated Rs152bn for 500 development schemes of Faisalabad division. He said Eastern West Water Treatment plant was a big project which would cost Rs19.3bn.

Under the Faisalabad Industrial State and Management Company, the government would establish Allama Iqbal Industrial Estate, he added.

The CM has also inaugurated an intensive care unit ward at the DHQ Hospital.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rashid said the previous government had spent on the buildings and bridges but the PTI government was spending on the human beings which would ultimately make the country stronger. She said 411,000 cards would be issued to residents of Faisalabad and 88,000 to the people of Chiniot.

Secretary specialized healthcare Momin Ali Agha also spoke.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2019