New Year's gift: PM launches healthcare program for underprivileged

Program aimed at providing healthcare to poor in public, private hospitals

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday launched the National Health Programme, a government initiative to provide healthcare and medical treatment to the poorest segment of society.

The programme will initially be started in 15 districts of the country in the first phase.

Health cards will be distributed to 1.2 million families in the first phase, enabling beneficiaries to get free medical treatment of seven diseases at public and private hospitals.

According to Minister of State for Health Saira Afzal Tarar, Rs 9 billion have been allocated to the program, which will benefit every citizen with less than Rs 200 daily earning.

Federal Ministers Ishaq Dar, Khurram Dastagir, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar, Minister of State for Interior Baleeghur Rehman, Minister for CADD Dr. Tariq Fazal and Maryam Nawaz Sharif were also present here at the launch ceremony, where the prime minister was briefed about the program.