Finance minister announces restoration of health insurance scheme for journalists and media workers

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 12 June 2024

The Pakistani Finance Minister has reinstated a health insurance scheme for journalists. This initiative aims to provide essential health coverage in phases.

Summary

ISLAMABAD–Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced the restoration of the health insurance scheme for journalists and media workers on Wednesday. The announcement came during the closing remarks of his budget speech.

The initiative, ordered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his second term, aims to provide essential health coverage to media professionals. Aurangzeb shared the good news with his "journalist brothers", detailing that the first phase of the scheme will cover 5,000 journalists and media workers across Pakistan. This initial rollout is a significant step toward ensuring that media personnel have access to necessary healthcare services.

In the second phase, an additional 10,000 journalists and media workers will be included in the health insurance scheme, broadening the scope and impact of this vital initiative. The phased approach ensures that a substantial number of media workers will receive healthcare benefits.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb also praised the efforts of Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, acknowledging his contributions to the successful restoration of the health insurance scheme. This collaboration between different government sectors underscores the importance of healthcare access for those who play a crucial role in informing the public and upholding democratic values.

KEY POINTS:

• Health insurance scheme restored for journalists and media workers.
• First phase will cover 5,000 individuals across Pakistan.
• Second phase aims to include an additional 10,000 participants.
• Collaboration between various government sectors highlighted.
• Initiative supports essential healthcare access for media professionals.