ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday resolved to make Pakistan an example of a welfare state for the world.
He made these remarks while launching the Naya Pakistan Qaumi Health Card program for the residents of Islamabad.
Under the scheme, all the families of Islamabad, Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Tharparkar will be provided free treatment in government and private hospitals.
Addressing the launching ceremony in the capital, PM Imran lauded the federal and provincial governments for launching free health initiatives. He said that the Sehat Card would enable each family to avail health facilities up to Rs.10 lakh.
The Prime Minister said that universal health coverage was available in some countries around the world, where the government fully covered health expenses.
He said starting such a facility in Pakistan is a "historic step" to help people who are burdened with costly treatment.
PM Imran said that national security is really concerned with the welfare of those who have been made stakeholders in the interest of the state.
He said that the health card was a defining moment to encourage the private sector especially in rural areas to join the medical network and create an environment of competition for public sector hospitals to improve their services.
PM Imran said that Rs 450 billion will be spent on the health insurance program.