Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired a first working group meeting of Punjab Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC) on health insurance, here on Tuesday.
The meeting took place at the Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department (SH&ME) and brought together key stakeholders to discuss reforms and improvements in the health insurance program. Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique reviewed the health insurance program’s progress and discussed necessary reforms. Experts shared valuable insights and recommendations, emphasizing the program’s potential for significant improvement.
Khawaja Salman Rafique expressed optimism about enhancing the health insurance program. He acknowledged past challenges faced by health insurance initiatives but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these issues. The minister stressed the need to rectify any shortcomings in the health insurance program and hold accountable those who exploit it for political gains. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening government hospitals capacity and ensuring financial sustainability for the health insurance program. The minister pledged to improve the financial model of the health insurance program, ensuring that it serves the best interests of the public and promotes equitable healthcare access. SH&ME Special Secretary (Development) Syed Wajid Ali Shah, Vice-Chancellor of University of Child Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Masood Sadiq, King Edward Medical University VC Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayaz, PHIMC CEO Dr. Ali Razaq, Prof. Dr. Anjum Jalal from PIC and others attended the meeting.
Provincial Minister for Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Salman Rafique visited the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) to review the ongoing progress in the operation theaters. Present on this occasion were Executive Director Prof. Dr. Anjum Jalal, MS PIC Dr. Shoaib Aslam, Dr. Amir Bandaisha, Dr. Imran Shah, and contractors. Khawaja Salman Rafique stated that modular theaters were being completed on an emergency basis for the convenience of patients at PIC.
He praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharifs plan to provide free medicines to patients suffering from heart diseases, hepatitis, and TB as wonderful and historic, which would undoubtedly improve the health system. He further emphasized, “We all have to play our role in improving the health system.” The increase in the capacity to perform surgeries after the installation of modular theaters was very welcomed, he added.
Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was paying special attention to the health sector. While attending the CEOs and MS conference as the chief guest at a local hotel, he mentioned that action had been initiated across Punjab against quacks, and illegal blood banks were going to be closed in the province.
