LAHORE– The Punjab government has proposed Rs20 billion for development projects in the forthcoming budget for health sectors, out of which 40 percent would be allocated for south Punjab and 21pc for north Punjab.
Furthermore, the government will ensure the distribution of health cards across the 36 districts of the province ion the instructions of the Prime Minister.
This was disclosed in a review meeting for preparation of 2019-20 development budget and the utilization of ongoing fiscal year development budget for health sector.
The meeting was chaired by the Punjab Finance Minister Makhdoom Jawan Bakhat Hashim and attended by Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid.
Chairman Planning and Development Board Habib-ur-Rehman Gillani, and other officials different departments concerned were also present.
Dr Yasim Rahsid informed that Rs16 billion were allocated for the development projects of the health sector in ongoing fiscal year. She recommended increase in resource allocations for health insurance scheme, and Punjab Kidney Liver Institute (PKLI) for timely completion of it.
She mentioned that 40 consultant were drawing their salaries while tow operation theater and 40 rooms were constructed. She stressed the need for timely completion of the PKLI so that it will be function completely.
Finance Minister Makhdoom Jawan Bakhat Hashim assured the health minister for considering the recommendations made by the department.
He said number of new development projects would be initiated in the forthcoming budget including treasury hospital in Multan, DG Khan Cardiology Institute, Sheikh Zaid Teaching Hospital Rahim Yar Khan, Jinnah Medical Tower Lahore, and Mother and Child Health Care Centers.
However, the minister stressed the need of Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects and instructed the head of PPP Cell to coordinate with Finance Secretary in order to chalk out programs on the pattern of Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab (IDAP) in order to improve the performance and service delivery in health sector.— PRESS HANDOUT
