Govt Opens Registration for Health Insurance Scheme for Journalists

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb, kick-started the registration process for the newly introduced health insurance scheme for working journalists in Islamabad on Monday.

In her address, she announced that working journalists can apply for the scheme by filling out an online registration form available on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Press Information Department (PID) websites. 

Emphasizing the transparency of the process, she clarified that there are no restrictions, and all working journalists are eligible to apply, irrespective of their press club memberships.

Minister Aurangzeb urged journalists to initiate the registration process without delay, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to officially launch the health insurance scheme on the 7th of next month.

It is important to note that the scheme’s coverage is not limited to journalists in the federal capital territory but extends to journalists across the country.

Under this health insurance scheme, working journalists will gain access to medical treatment for various ailments, providing them with much-needed support and security in times of health-related challenges.

The Information Minister highlighted that the allocation of Rs. 1 billion in the budget for this health insurance scheme was a testament to the government’s commitment to the welfare of journalists.

Furthermore, she emphasized that the government has taken significant steps to safeguard the rights of working journalists, as evidenced by the recently passed PEMRA amendment bill. She dismissed any unfounded propaganda against the bill, asserting that it aligns with the definition provided by the UN Human Rights Council and adheres to the best international practices.

In response to a question, Minister Aurangzeb informed the audience that over one hundred and fifty dummy newspaper licenses have been canceled as part of the government’s efforts to maintain transparency and integrity in the media sector.

The launch of the health insurance scheme marks a milestone in the government’s efforts to prioritize the well-being of working journalists, ensuring that they have access to vital healthcare services and support across the nation.