LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid says 98 per cent of people with health cards have expressed satisfaction over the free service.

She was addressing a press conference at the Nishtar Medical University for expansion of health services to people under the Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Card scheme.

The minister said the CNICs of all citizens of Multan division were valid to avail health insurance up to Rs1 million from designated public and private hospitals.

She said 81pc families in Punjab had been included in the scheme so far.

She said around 700 public and private hospitals had been paired with the programme and the taxpayers’ money was being spent on health and well-being of the people for the first time.

She said the health expansion programme would create employment opportunities for thousands of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff.

Earlier, the minister chaired the 10th syndicate meeting of the Nishtar Medical University and validated the decisions taken during the 9th Syndicate meeting.

She said the syndicate of Nishtar Medical University had approved the launch of short courses and diplomas while Nishtar Alumni had promised to provide funds for 31 operating theatres.

She said the Nishtar Hospital was being developed according to a master plan which included necessary repairs, renovation, improvement and upgrade of the emergency ward.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2022