LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday met members of the provincial assembly, who appreciated the ongoing development and beautification projects across the province.
The lawmakers lauded initiatives relating to the construction and expansion of roads and streets, improved drainage systems and provision of clean drinking water under model village projects. They expressed satisfaction over the introduction of an integrated sanitation system in rural areas under the Suthra Punjab programme, on the pattern of urban centres. They appreciated the construction, repair and expansion of 13,000 roads across Punjab.
The chief minister said that a golden era of development had begun in Punjab. She noted that the conversion of over 3,000 health centres into state-of-the-art health clinics brought a significant improvement in the healthcare culture. She said Punjab’s first public sector cancer hospital and Nawaz Sharif Medical City would be completed at the earliest. The first government autism school is a ray of hope for affected children.
Referring to the Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha, she said it facilitated patients with better healthcare services. Under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, Punjab has become the first province in the country to introduce a general insurance company. The chief minister has directed the Punjab General Insurance Company to present a comprehensive health insurance policy plan, while a summary for the establishment of the company has been sent to the provincial cabinet. Instructions were also issued to include the private sector in the insurance plan and to ensure the provision of infrastructure and resources. The business plan of the company and swift approval process were appreciated.
During a briefing, it was shared that the Punjab Life Insurance Company is moving forward to manage the chief minister’s health initiatives and Sehat Sahulat Programme. A special committee has been constituted for the Punjab General Insurance Company, which will be responsible for all “non-life” insurance of government institutions under the supervision of the Finance Department. The company will introduce special insurance plans for family breadwinners, women, transgender persons, farmers, students, and overseas Pakistanis.
Chairing a meeting on Wednesday, Maryam remarked that Punjab has always led in reforms and continues to do so. A health insurance policy would be introduced enabling citizens to seek treatment wherever they prefer.
It was informed that the company would provide financial protection to citizens from all segments and income groups through specialised insurance plans, including coverage for natural disasters, pension products, health insurance for the underprivileged, and Shariah-compliant Takaful.
