Pakistan, June 28 -- LAHORE - The Punjab government has officially ended the use of health cards in Lahore's public hospitals, according to a notification issued by the Chief Executive Officer of Lahore's health department.

The notice directed all medical superintendents to submit outstanding payment details by June 30, as State Life Insurance will not clear any dues after that date. It also stated that universal health insurance coverage in government hospitals is being discontinued. However, special initiatives under the current policy by the Chief Minister of Punjab will continue.

Dr. Ali Razaq, CEO of Punjab Health Institute Management Company, clarified in an interview with Geo News that public hospitals already offer free medical ...