Punjab announces post-budget steps amid Sehat Card corruption probe

LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman announced on Tuesday the launch of investigation into corruption related to Sehat Cards, as billions of rupees have been fraudulently misappropriated under the scheme during the previous government’s tenure.

Furthermore, the government has not discontinued the Sehat Card scheme and has allocated Rs45 billion for it in the budget. Transparency will be ensured in the current government’s administration of the Sehat Card scheme. Only eligible individuals will benefit from the Sehat Card, and treatment at private hospitals will also be possible under the scheme.

Addressing the post-budget press conference at 90 Shara-e-Quaid Azam, the minister said that the government is committed to providing full relief to the poor and deserving people of the province. The government has allocated Rs30 billion for the Ramzan Package and has not made any cuts to the Nighban Package.

Mujtaba alleged that extensive corruption had occurred under the guise of the health card during the previous government’s tenure and assured that the current government would thoroughly investigate it. He emphasised that the Sehat Card, initiated by the PMLN, will be continued, with efforts focused on eliminating loopholes and corruption. The present government will distribute health cards to deserving individuals transparently, ensuring there is no corruption in the Sehat Card scheme.

Mujtaba highlighted that beneficiaries of the Ramzan Nighban package are being treated with dignity, with packages delivered to their homes in a manner reminiscent of the Madinah style, where no one’s self-esteem is compromised.

The finance minister revealed that three committees have been formed for price control and monitoring of the Ramzan Nighaban package daily. He mentioned record arrests and fines against profiteers and hoarders during Ramzan and said that the government has appointed 1500 magistrates for price control.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Planning and Development Board clarified that all projects initiated during the caretaker term were approved by the election commission. He said that the next three months’ budget is solely that of the new government, with Rs280 billion earmarked for development projects, of which 15 percent is allocated for road infrastructure development schemes.

Finance Secretary Mujahid Sher Dil emphasised that Punjab has the highest surplus compared to the federal government and other provinces. He said that while surplus numbers cannot be disclosed, all departments have been instructed to keep their budgets under control. Current expenditure is being closely monitored, and savings in salaries and pensions are being ensured, although savings in other current expenses are also being pursued. The finance department has approved vehicle purchases during this time.

Sher Dil mentioned that Punjab was burdened with a significant debt from loans taken for wheat procurement, resulting in a monthly markup payment of Rs250 million. However, Punjab has paid off Rs470 billion of its wheat debt.

The finance minister said that the budget presented under exceptional circumstances will garner the support of the people of Punjab through good governance. He reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritise education and health, along with the vision of transforming Punjab into a digital province and Lahore into a digital city. Special investment will be made in agriculture, the environment, and ensuring the protection of life and property for all citizens. Industry and trade will be promoted through streamlined one-window services, and the Ramzan package reflects the people-friendly vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.