Gilgit (PR): The closing ceremony of the National Rural Support Program (NRSP) project “Awareness and Information Promotion for National Health Card” took place at Serena Hotel Gilgit.
During the opening remarks, District Coordinator NRSP, Bahadur Ali, highlighted the steps taken to fulfil NRSP’s responsibilities for promoting awareness of the National Health Card Program.
These responsibilities included establishing offices at the tehsil level, organizing the project’s inaugural ceremony, deploying the services of LHVs and LSOs, disseminating print and visual data, conducting mobile awareness activities, and facilitating community sessions, among other initiatives.
Deputy Director Health G-B Israr Ahmed addressed the occasion. In his speech, he clarified that the National Health Card program has not been terminated. However, the services of the Health Facility Program in Gilgit-Baltistan have been temporarily postponed. The next phase is set to commence soon, and at present, ten hospitals are part of the panel providing this facility.
He mentioned that BISP cardholders benefited during phase-I of the Health Facility Program. In phase II, disabled persons were also included, and in phase three, all national identity card holders were incorporated.
He added that under this program, health facilities of up to 1million rupees were being provided. Approximately 78 thousand people have received treatment, with about Rs 80 crores paid under the Health Facilitation Program.
Dr Manzoor, DMO, also addressed the event and briefed the participants on the treatment and expenses incurred under the Health Facility Program. Regarding the procedure for accessing this facility, he mentioned that hundreds of patients from various districts of Gilgit have already availed programs’ benefits.
He emphasized that the program is ongoing, with approximately 27 different diseases currently being treated. Dr Manzoor requested the health secretary to expedite efforts to advance this program, ensuring that it reaches more poor and needy individuals in need of this facility.
Secretary Health Dildar Ahmed Malik also addressed the ceremony. In his speech, he congratulated NRSP for its efforts and expressed the commitment to carry forward this program through the Chief Minister’s Endowment Fund.
Discussions have also taken place with Pakistan Baitul Mal for support in the program. Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Gulbar Khan, along with the Health Department, will take all possible steps to advance and sustain this facility for the people, further added Dildar Ahmad.
Secretary Health GB Dildar Ahmad, Deputy Director Health Israr Ahmad, and NRSP District Coordinator Bahadur Ali address the closing ceremony of the NRSP project for National Health Card Awareness.
