KARACHI, Dec 19: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that a health insurance programme for the common man will be launched on January 15, 2009 and more than 300,000 people will be covered in the initial phase.

Speaking at the 28th Medical Conference organised by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) here on Friday, the chief minister said doctors rendering services in remote villages would be provided double salary and residence facility. He also promised that doctors and paramedical staff serving in the Sindh government health care facilities would be paid the salaries and facilities on a par with their counterparts in Punjab very soon. “But first, they would have to fulfil their responsibilities honestly,” he said.

Mr Shah expressed his displeasure over the unhygienic conditions prevailing at the Civil Hospital Karachi and directed the authorities concerned to take remedial measures.

Health Minister Dr Saghir Ahmed, PMA president Dr Aziz Khan Soomro and Dr Samrina Hashmi also spoke.—PPI