KARACHI: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries will be given better health facilities after collaboration of the pharmaceutical companies.
Minister of State and BISP Chairperson Marvi Memon said this, while speaking at a seminar hosted by Pharmaceutical Association of Pakistan. The purpose of the seminar was to initiate and discuss the necessary ways and means for cooperation between BISP and Pharmaceutical Companies so that better health facilities may be made accessible to BISP beneficiaries.
On the occasion, FPCCI Standing Committee on Pharma Industry Chairman Zahid Saeed said that 90pc of the medicines are being made by Pakistani Pharmaceutical Companies and hence access to quality medicines is not a problem. The pharma industry may take initiative by offering Quality Branded Medicines (QBM) at affordable rates to BISP beneficiaries. He added that the industry may provide medicines at 25pc to 30pc discounted price to poorest of the poor BISP beneficiaries. This public-private partnership will help the poor patients to improve their health.
BISP Chairperson, during the seminar, appreciated the pharma industry for their invaluable contributions and showing generosity to the cause of poor. She stated that the better compliance to this great initiative will bring better health outcome at the national level. This scheme is very instrumental in making BISP women healthier and more empowered.
Marvi also said that the increase in BISP budget from Rs 40 billion to Rs 102 billion is due to the belief of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the present government in the efficacy of this programme. She said that the most of the BISP stipend is spent on food items which mean BISP contributes in reducing malnutrition which is the main cause of stunting and low IQ level.
