ISLAMABAD, Sep 05 (Alliance News): Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan announced in the National Assembly on Thursday that the National Health Card Scheme will soon be resumed.
He clarified that the current issue with the scheme is being reviewed with the State Life Insurance Company (SLIC).
Addressing questions during Question Hour, the minister emphasized that the present government has not halted any welfare initiatives from previous administrations. He highlighted that from 2018 to 2022, medicine prices were increased annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the Drug Pricing Policy-2018 governed these adjustments.
Khan explained that the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) follows a strict procurement process for drugs and surgical supplies, adhering to Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules.
He noted that while budget constraints have led to some decreases in medicine availability, PIMS remains committed to providing essential supplies to its patients.
The minister also addressed issues related to the procurement of medical waste management and cafeteria operations at PIMS.
He reported that a new inquiry into the irregularities in medical waste management is underway and should be completed within four weeks. A Monitoring Committee has been established to oversee cafeteria operations, ensuring food quality and adherence to contract terms.
Khan further informed that financial audits for PIMS’s 2022-23 budget have been completed, with no direct evidence of corruption found. The audit reports will be reviewed by the Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Additionally, Jam Kamal Khan reported that the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM) has received an extra Rs. 20 million for the purchase of drugs and medical instruments. The total budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 for NIRM’s drug purchases has been increased to Rs. 39.05 million to enhance service delivery.
