Board of Directors of Punjab Health Foundation has approved interest free small loans schemes for Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, Hakeems, Homeopaths and MBBS doctors for setting up clinics in their fields to provide quality healthcare for the public. In this connection, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Kh. Salman Rafique. Interest free loans of rupees 2 lac and 7 lac would be given on social collateral to the Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, Hakeems, Homeopaths and MBBS doctors for setting up of their clinics however, they have to fulfill all other legal procedures and their registration with the Punjab Healthcare Commission would be the basic condition for getting loan.
Besides, Managing Director Punjab Health Foundation Dr. Sohail Saqlain, Prof. Eice Muhammad Consultant of the Foundation Dr. Amjad Saqib, officers of Finance, P&D, Social Welfare, Population Welfare departments and representatives of PITB, UHS and other institutions attended the meeting. Dr. Sohail Saqlain briefed about the new schemes. It was informed that recovery of small loans would be completed in three years in soft installments. Dr. Sohail Saqlain informed that interest free loans of Rs.25 lac would be given to the doctors for setting up big clinics or purchase of medical equipment on social as well as physical collateral. He informed that Punjab Health Foundation has chalked out a training programme for the general practitioners with the collaboration of University of Health Sciences. The medical ethics would be main components of this few weeks training. University of Health Sciences has prepared training modules for this purpose. Moreover, Punjab Information Technology Board has prepared automation project for small loans scheme and prepared a software. All process of sanctioning/releasing loans would be computerized. Dr. Saqlain said that computerized automation system would ensure merit and transparency in the procedures. He disclosed that all these schemes would be launched from next month. While addressing the meeting, Kh. Salman Rafique said that the basic concept for introducing small loans scheme from the platform of PHF is to strengthen the private health sector for the provision of quality health services to the people and to provide self employment opportunities for the doctors and other health professionals. Kh. Salman Rafique appreciated the efforts and initiatives taken by the MD Dr. Sohail Saqlain for making the PHF a vibrant and doctor friendly institution.