‘Health insurance used for political mileage in past’

LAHORE:Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said in the past health insurance was used for political mileage instead of benefiting the masses, adding the Punjab government was increasing the limit of health insurance package and scope of coverage.

He was speaking at the third meeting of the working group of health insurance programme held at Punjab Health Initiative Management Company. The experts concerned gave their suggestions and opinions in this regard. Khawaja Salman said the share distribution formula in the health insurance programme had been discussed with the experts during the meeting and efforts were being made to address the flaws in the health insurance programme.

The final recommendations for improving the health insurance programme were being formulated, he added. Khawaja Salman Rafique said the Punjab government was increasing the limit of health insurance package from one million rupees and the scope of coverage for the convenience of people.

The share of private to public hospitals in terms of health insurance programme had been greatly improved, he added. The minister said in the past, the health insurance programme was used to shine politics not for the benefit of people.

Secretary Health Ali Jan Khan, Special Secretary Development Syed Wajid Ali Shah, Vice Chancellor University of Child Health Sciences Professor Masood Sadiq, Vice Chancellor King Edward Medical University Professor Mahmood Ayaz, CEO PHIMC Dr Ali Razaq, DG Health Services Dr Ilyas Gondal, Dr Zahid Pervez, Finance Department and P&D officers participated.

Meanwhile, a meeting was held in Punjab Health Initiative Management Company under the chairmanship of Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique on performance of government hospitals.

During the meeting, the minister made a detailed review of the treatment of patients in government hospitals. All vice-chancellors, principals and MS gave a briefing. Khawaja Salman Rafique said VCs, principals, MDs, doctors and nurses deserved appreciation for ensuring regular treatment of patients in public hospitals.

In OPDs of all government hospitals, VCs, principals and MS were performing the duties themselves. We will not compromise on the respect of VCs, principals and MS and added patients visiting government hospitals should not face any difficulty. The main purpose of revamping government hospitals is to provide more facilities to the people, he said. Health secretary said slip counter should not be closed in any government hospital. A good impression has been created by the presence of VCs, principals and MS in OPDs.