ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday directed the federal and provincial governments to take measures to provide the people with maximum benefits of the federal government’s Sehat Sahulat Card Programme (SSCP). Under the SSCP, universal health coverage is being provided to the poor people.

Terming the programme a historic initiative in the health sector of the country, the prime minister said: “It is for the first time that a government has launched a comprehensive health project to facilitate the weakest segments of society.”

Presiding over a meeting, the prime minister asked the federal and provincial governments and State Life Insurance Corporation (SLIC) to set up special units to monitor implementation of the programme.

He expressed satisfaction over the relief being given to the masses under the health card programme and said it would encourage the private sector hospitals to join hands with the government and ensure provision of health services in rural and remote areas of the country.

A detailed briefing was given to the prime minister on the provision of health cards in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with the number of beneficiaries and the expenditure incurred on the scheme.

Prime Minister Imran Khan cautioned the people to take special care as the heavy monsoon rains started lashing different parts of the country.

The prime minister took notice of the situation and directed the national emergency service to remain high alert to cope with any untoward situation.

“I have also directed all relevant response agencies including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to be on high alert with ready and rapid emergency response actions,” he tweeted. Islamabad witnessed heavy urban flooding and its certain areas, including E-11 Sector, were submerged in the rain water.