Central Asian States keen to be part of CPEC: Mamnoon

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday said that Central Asian States have expressed their keenness to link themselves with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as these states are also desirous of benefitting from the corridor.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Medibank Trust at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president said that construction of 502-kilkometre road under the CPEC has been completed and made it clear that there would be no change in the route of the CPEC.
Praising the economic performance of the government, he congratulated the economic team on steadying the national economy from precarious condition that has also been acknowledged by international financial institutions. He said that it is encouraging to know that the services of Medibank have also been extended to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The president noted that this project could revolutionise the fields of medicine and health. He hoped that along with the people of the country, international welfare institutions would also extend cooperation to the activities of Medibank. He noted with satisfaction that overseas Pakistanis were also taking interest in the project.
“Pakistani Diplomatic Missions should also join the cause of Medibank”, he remarked. He added that External Publicity Wing of Ministry of Information could also play an important role in this noble cause. He said that Medibank should maintain a close liaison with BISP and Bait-ul-Maal so that maximum number of poor and needy patients could receive medical assistance. He appreciated the establishment of such a welfare organisation under the patronage of civil services officers.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar said that the government would soon launch health insurance scheme that would initially benefit 3.5 million people.
President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) Mian Muhammad Idrees, Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Siddiqui and patron-in-chief of Medibank Javaid Nisar Syed also addressed the event. At the end of the ceremony, President formally inaugurated the Medibank.
He also distributed awards among those who have rendered valuable services for the cause of Medibank Trust. It is pertinent to mention here that Medibank is providing free medicines and consultation in hospitals, medical camps and through multiple arrangements to the poor and deserving patients.