Underprivileged to get free treatment at private hospitals as govt launches health insurance
ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Health Saira Afzal Tarar at the launch of the National Health Programme here on Thursday announced the issuance of health cards which will enable the underprivileged to receive treatment at private and public hospitals free of charge.
Tarar said those who earn daily wages of less than Rs200 qualify for the programme, and that treatment would be provided without discrimination "whatever your religion, sect or province".
The health minister said the prime minister's card allows Rs50,000 for the treatment of common illnesses "such as the flu, cough and hepatitis", and sets aside Rs300,000 for more serious conditions like "angioplasty, bypass and dialysis".
"If this limit finishes while they are at the hospital, the patients will not be forced to leave the hospital," she said. "We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the treasury for them, and their limit will be extended to Rs600,000."