Yasmin Rashid urges stakeholders to put extra efforts to achieve target of population control

LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said here on Wednesday that all stakeholders will have to put extra efforts to achieve the targets of population control in the country.

In a meeting with a delegation of the World Bank, the Health Minister said that Health Department was key stakeholder in the family planning initiative. Country Director World Bank Mr. Najy Benhassine, Operations Manager, Program Leader Ubaid al Razzaq, and Senior Operations Manager Amna Raja were part of the team.

The Health Minister discussed with the visiting delegation family planning, Universal Health Coverage and situation of the Corona Pandemic. The Minister shared details of measures taken to improve primary and secondary healthcare services. The visiting delegation appreciated the efforts of the Health Minister and assured all out support.

The Health Minister said, “Health Department has pivotal role in family planning and all stakeholders will have to go extra mile to achieve the targets. The government has taken some key steps to improve mother and child health indicators in the province. Pakistan loses thousands of women and children during birth related complications. The government is developing seven state-of-the-art mother and child hospitals in the province. We are battling the Corona Pandemic with all full commitment. Corona SOPs are being enforced in letter and spirit.

So far more than 39 million have been vaccinated in the province. By 31st December, Universal Health Coverage services shall begin for entire population of the province. The health cards are being distributed to entire population. Patients can get health insurance coverage of Rs. 720,000. Rs. 100 billion have been reserved in the budget for the initiative on directions from Prime Minister Imran Khan.” Country Director World Bank Najy Benhassine said he greatly admired the services rendered by Dr. Yasmin Rashid and assured all out support for the Govt of the Punjab.