Health facility for transgender community  

According to 2017 population and housing census, there are over 10,000 transgender people in the country. The present government has been making its efforts to address the issues of the downtrodden segments of the society on priority basis. The government has also initiated a number of pro- poor welfare programmes. Prime Minister launched a highly welcoming program Sehat Insaf Card on Monday for the transgender community. Speaking on the occasion Imran Khan said his vision for Pakistan was that of the State of Madina which was established on the principles of compassion, justice, and the rule of law. The PTI government is trying to revive the vision which was the basis for the creation of Pakistan and that vision was one of an Islamic welfare state on the model of State of Madina. Sehat Insaf and Ehsaas programmes are part of this vision to help the vulnerable segments of society and government’s idea to provide health insurance to members of the transgender community is highly appreciable. It is a good omen that the government has taken responsibility to bring about a positive change in people’s lives. Poor people in 48 districts are already benefiting from the Sehat Insaf programme. The government pays up to Rs720, 000 premiums, if a person falls ill and receives treatment at a medical facility. Sehat Insaf Card will also be available to any person in Pakistan living with a disability. The initiative will cater to individuals of the transgender community registered with the National Database and Registration Authority from the Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and all other provinces. Special counter has been established at National Database and Registration Authority to register transgender for issuing them Sehat Insaf Card. The registration system at NADRA will be linked with the office responsible for issuing health cards to provide them this facility without any hurdle and on immediate basis. The decision of the Prime Minister Imran Khan to issue Sehat Insaf card to transgender is historical as they have similar right to have access to all basic health facilities. The government’s social security programmes would have far reaching effects upon the vulnerable communities.