Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday launched health insurance card scheme for working journalists and artists.
Under the health insurance scheme, the media workers and artists will be able to get world class health facilities free of charge in 1200 hospitals across the country with annual corporate health insurance worth Rs1.5 million, the Radio Pakistan reported.
Addressing the launching ceremony in Islamabad, the premier termed the insurance scheme as a revolutionary initiative in the field of journalism.
He said that it is the first time that a health insurance scheme has been initiated for the working journalists and the artists.
PM Shehbaz also announced the establishment of a special fund under which the journalists losing their lives during the line of duty will each be paid Rs 04 million.
He said that a decision to this effect was taken after consultations with the Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb.
The prime minister said it is just the beginning and the amount will be further enhanced with increase in the resources.
PM Shehbaz said that he has never complained against any media criticism directed towards him. He however stressed that criticism is beneficial when it is based on facts.
On the occasion, the prime minister also launched Pakistan Code and Digital Repository of Federal Laws Mobile App and website.
Shehbaz Sharif said that this will help the public easily access all types of federal laws.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said the launch of health insurance scheme for the working journalists and artists is realization of the vision of the prime minister.