Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique on Thursday said that the government intends to enhance the universal health insurance program. He was speaking during a meeting held at Punjab Health Initiative Management Company attended by representatives from various insurance companies and the session focused on improving the existing framework of the health insurance system. Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized that all stakeholders were being engaged to refine the program. He highlighted the effective administration of the health card program under PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s leadership but acknowledged challenges in universalizing the health card facility.

“We want to provide the real benefits of the Universal Health Insurance Program to the people,” he said. The health minister noted that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was committed to improving government hospital conditions, aiming for a system where “healthy citizens pay for the sick and the rich pay for the poor.” He stressed the need for a sustainable model for the universal health insurance program. Dr. Ali Razak, CEO of the Punjab Health Initiative Management Company, provided a briefing on the program’s current status. The meeting saw positive responses from representatives of State Life Insurance Company, Adamjee Insurance, and other insurers, who lauded the expert suggestions for the program’s improvement.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan