Nature and operational framework of Sehat Sahulat Program reviewed
Nong Rong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at Finance Division.
SAPM on Finance Mr. Tariq Bajwa, Secretary Finance and other senior officers of Finance Division attended the meeting.
The Finance Minister and the Chinese Ambassador discussed enhancing bilateral relations in economic and financial sectors between both the countries.
Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar warmly welcomed the Ambassador of Republic of China and shared the deep-rooted and brotherly relations between Pakistan and China.
It was highlighted that both countries have historic and strong bilateral ties in various economic sectors.
Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar highlighted the repercussions of unprecedented floods faced by Pakistan which have largely impacted the infrastructure, agriculture, lives and properties of the people.
He appreciated support given by the Govt. of China during these testing times and shared that present government is taking various measures to ease the life of masses by ensuring fiscal and monetary stability.
The Ambassador of China assured Chinese Govt’s sustained support to Pakistan in hour of need and shared that China stands with people of Pakistan in these hard times. He also thanked Govt of Pakistan for giving facilitation to Chinese projects in Pakistan.
In concluding remarks, Finance Minister Mr. Ishaq Dar thanked the Chinese Ambassador for continuous assistance and support.
Meanwhile, Ishaq Dar also chaired a meeting of the Special Committee Constituted by PM on Qaumi Sehat Card / Sehat Sahulat Program.
The meeting reviewed nature and operational framework of Sehat Sahulat Program. It was shared that Federal Sehat Sahulat Program is currently expanded to all population of Federal Capital – Islamabad, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan and district Tharparker.
Various policy options for expansion of the program along with their financial implications were also shared during the meeting.
It was highlighted that this health program has potential to reduce poverty rate, increase financial protection of masses, facilitate health infrastructure transformation and improve health quality at large.
Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar shared that present government is deeply concerned about the well being of masses especially the lower strata of the society and determined to support and uplift the living standards of masses through various programmes.
In conclusion Federal Minister for National Health, Services, Regulations & Coordination Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel appreciated the Finance Minister for support and consideration of the health program.
The Federal Minister for National Health, Services, Regulations & Coordination Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel, Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, SAPM on Finance Mr. Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Mr. Tariq Mehmoud Pasha, CEO Sehat Sahulat Program Mr. Muhammad Arshad, Chairman State Life Insurance Mr. Shoaib Javed, Special Secretary Finance and other senior officers from Finance, Health and Poverty Alleviation Divisions also attended the meeting.