Journalists' health insurance scheme to launch soon, information secretary says

The federal government will soon launch the Prime Minister's Health Insurance Scheme for journalists and media workers in what the information secretary called an improved and more comprehensive form, but no date, coverage amount or eligibility criteria were announced at the ceremony where he said it.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Ashfaq Ahmed Khalil made the announcement while addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office bearers of the All Pakistan Newspapers and Electronic Media Employees Confederation (APNEC) Gilgit-Baltistan chapter, held at the National Press Club in Islamabad, according to ProPakistani. Journalism Pakistan reported the scheme as being relaunched, suggesting an earlier version had existed.

Khalil said journalism is a vital bridge between the government and the people and that media workers play a fundamental role in highlighting public issues. Recognising the services of media industry employees and taking effective steps to resolve their problems was essential, he said, and called for collaboration among stakeholders to provide a better working environment. He told the gathering his doors were always open to the journalist community.

Senator Talha Mahmood, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, said journalists promote truth and strengthen democratic values, and stressed the need for serious steps for media workers' welfare.

Principal Information Officer Raeesa Adil said the professional services of journalists are of great importance and that continuous liaison between press organisations and relevant institutions is necessary to resolve their issues.

APNEC Chairman Muhammad Siddiq Anzar, who hosted the ceremony, said protecting the rights and welfare of journalists is a core responsibility of journalistic bodies, and stressed unity among press organisations.

National Press Club President Abdul Razzaq Sial, NPC Secretary Dr Furqan Rao, APNEC Gilgit-Baltistan Chairperson Mahwish Mumtaz Baig, Media Workers Organization President Kaleem Shamim, Tariq Usmani, Dr Sadia Kamal and Farooq Mirza also spoke, according to the report.

Speakers called for job security, economic protection and effective liaison with government institutions for the welfare of media workers.

The health scheme's financing, the size of the hospital cover and the registration process for media workers were not detailed at the event, and neither the information secretary nor the Information Ministry said when enrolment would open.