A delegation of GIZ calls on Secretary Health Punjab Jawad Rafiq Malik

Lahore: A five-member delegation of GIZ, Germany met Secretary Health Punjab Jawad Rafiq Malik in his office, today. The delegation was led by Consultant Public Health Programme Eberhard Koob.

GIZ Representative in Pakistan Imran Masood also included in the delegation while Special Secretary Health Gulzar Hussain, Director General Health Dr. Amjad Shahzad, Member Health P&D Dr. Shabana and Additional Programme Manager Policy and Strategic Planning Unit Dr. Zahida Sarwar were also present on the occasion.

Secretary Health informed the delegation about the reforms in health sector and the measures taken on the instructions of Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for protection of the rights of the poor patients. Jawad Rafiq said that besides federal government, Punjab government is also launching health insurance scheme and it is expected to begin in March 2016. He said that preparation are being completed for this purpose. He said that five firms have been short-listed for health insurance scheme which will give their bids and within a week, the firm qualifying for this purpose will be given the assignment.

Secretary Health further told that Punjab Health Management Initiatives Company has been set up to manage the affairs of health insurance scheme. He said that Health Department has given targets to its health managers and they have been empowered. He said that incentives are also being given for their encouragement. He said that transparency is given top priority in procurement of any item and PAPRA rules are strictly followed. He said that District Health Authority will also be set up soon.

The leader of German delegation Eberhard Koob appreciated the reforms introduced in health sector, launching of health insurance scheme for providing social health protection to the poor patients and other measures taken in the field and expressed interest in promoting cooperation and to find potential areas for future long-term technical cooperation in this regard. He said that GIZ will strengthen cooperation with Punjab in social protection and health sector.

Secretary Health Jawad Rafiq Malik said that Punjab government highly appreciate the cooperation and technical input of GIZ in the development of health and social sectors and provision of better health facilities to the patients.