Federal Govt Blocks Punjab Health Card Scheme

The Federal Government has blocked the Rs. 400 billion Punjab Health Card Scheme, which provided health insurance worth Rs. 1 million a year to all citizens of province regardless of their financial status.

According to the details, the decision was taken after the project named “Implementation of Universal Health Coverage under Health Insurance Programme in Punjab” was presented at a recent meeting of the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) but was not approved after criticism from Planning Secretary Zafar Ali Shah citing feedback from lenders and donors on untargeted subsidies and wasteful expenditures.

The decision comes as the Federal Government is left in a tight stop with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for continuation of the loan programme, who have demanded that all four provinces are required to concede Rs. 800 billion as cash surplus this year.

However, the decision has been met with great condemnation by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and Former Prime Minister, Imran Khan. “I strongly condemn the blocking of Punjab Health Card Scheme which was blessing for the vast majority of the population, especially given the crushing inflation eating into their earnings.” Imran Khan said on Twitter.

“Moreover, the private sector was in the process of setting up hospitals in the rural areas because of health insurance. This entire project was applauded by the leading health journal Lancet. Abolishing it reflects the callous mindset of these two corrupt family parties.” he added.

Moreover, the private sector was in the process of setting up hospitals in the rural areas because of health insurance. This entire project was applauded by the leading int health journal Lancet. Abolishing it reflects the callous mindset of these two corrupt family parties.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 6, 2023