LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to deduct premium contributions from all government employees, who are permanent residents of Punjab, for long term financial sustainability of the Sehat Sahulat Programme.

The Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department has written to the finance secretary to develop a mechanism for at-source deduction of family-based premium of Rs4,350 per family per year or Rs362.5 per family per month from all employees of the Punjab government, who are permanent residents of Punjab.

The decision with regard to the premium contribution from all Punjab government employees was taken by the Punjab cabinet in its 18th meeting held on June 21. The cabinet had also directed the finance department to develop a mechanism for the deduction of family-based premium from all employees of the Punjab government, who are permanent residents of Punjab.

The specialized healthcare department has clarified that if two members of a family are government employees then deduction from monthly or annual salary of only one of the family members shall be made.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2023