Govt to boost funding for public hospitals

A three-member ministerial committee, led by Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has finalised recommendations concerning the funding of medical treatments for the public within the province's Social Security Hospitals. Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr Jamal Nasir and the committee's convener disclosed that the approved guidelines outline the financial aspects of healthcare provisions. In cases of cardiac procedures for public patients at Social Security Hospitals, the cost will be divided – 70 percent will be covered through the health card, while the Punjab government will shoulder the remaining 30 percent. For all other medical procedures concerning the public at these hospitals, charges will adhere to the rates established by the Universal Health Insurance (Health Card) system. Dr Jamal Nasir emphasised that expenses related to C-Sections for childbirth among general female patients will be wholly covered by the Punjab Government, with a dedicated revolving fund being established for this specific purpose. The minister noted the active participation of Minister Specialised Healthcare Dr Javed Akram and Education Minister Mansoor Qadir in the three committee meetings, where recommendations were drafted. Published in The Express Tribune, August 10th, 2023.