ISLAMABAD, June 3 (APP): Minister for National Health Services,
Regulations and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar on Friday termed the
budget pro-poor, saying sufficient amount had been allocated to
improve health facilities in the country.
Commenting on the budget 2016-17 presented by the Finance
Minister, Saira Tarar said the present allocation in health sector
showed the government’s commitment to improve the health care
services in the country.
Talking to APP, she said the government had made more
allocation for the Prime Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, which
was launched to provide medical assistance to the deserving people.
She said the programme was aimed at improving the health status
of the poor. The federal government was providing insurance cover
to the poor for their tertiary health care and hospitalization for
several ailments.
Around Rs 9 billion premium would be paid under the scheme
during 2015-18, which was initially started in 23 districts and
would be gradually expanded to cover all the poorest segments of
society, she added.
She also appreciated the decision of offering soft loans to
the empaneled hospitals for upgradation of their medical facilities.
The minister said the Ministry of National Health Services,
Coordination and Regulations had launched the Prime Minister National
Health Programme in collaboration with the provincial governments.
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