TAXILA: Punjab Minister for Baitul Maal and Social Welfare Yawar Abbas Bukhari has said the government will issue health cards to 35 million families in the province by Dec 31.

He was speaking at a ceremony organised to inaugurate Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue-1122) field office in Sheenbagh area of Attock on Saturday.

The minister said the health card recipient families would be able to avail of facilities worth up to Rs1 million against each card.

He said extending financial assistance to deserving people was the top priority of the provincial government.

Says recipients will be able to avail of facilities worth up to Rs1 million

He said almost 100 per cent increase had been made in the development budget of the Social Welfare Department which would enable the department to complete various welfare schemes.

The minister said for the first time boards had been set up in all tehsil headquarter hospitals for registration of special persons, determination of disabilities and issuance of certificates.

“We are now launching an online service that will allow special people to apply for a disability certificate,” he said.

The provincial minister said construction of Darulaman buildings at a cost of Rs265 million had been completed in six districts - Narowal, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Multan, Lodhran and Hafizabad - while construction of new Darulaman buildings at a cost of Rs165 million were approved in Rahimyar Khan, Chiniot and Gujrat.

Mr Bukhari said approval had been given for setting up model children homes at a cost of Rs200 million in Attock and Toba Tek Singh. Other development projects included upgradation of the district industrial home (Sanatzar) in Attock and construction of a new Sanatzar building in Khanewal.

The minister appreciated the services of 1122 personnel for saving lives of victims of various incidents and natural calamities, adding that young men who provided relief to citizens in case of emergency were the heroes of our society.

He said such services increased the sense of security among citizens and we can all be proud of this service. Mr Bukhari said the rescue personnel and officers should formulate strategies to ensure minimum loss of life and property during any mishap or calamity.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2021