Latest news with #NHA
GMA Network
3 hours ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos inks law extending NHA's corporate term, rationalizing its powers
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has signed into law the measure strengthening the National Housing Authority by extending its corporate term and rationalizing its powers. Republic Act No. 12216 also repealed Presidential Decree No. 757, series of 1975. Under the new law, the NHA shall continue to exist as a corporate body in which it shall develop and implement a comprehensive, integrated, and affordable housing programs. The law extending the corporate term of NHA for another 25 years beginning July 31, 2025 was signed on May 29, 2025. Under the administrative supervision of the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD), the NHA's authorized capitalization shall be increased from P5 billion to P10 billion. The NHA shall exercise the power of succession, to sue and be sued, and to adopt and use a seal which shall be judicially noticed; and it shall also acquire property rights and interests, and encumber or otherwise dispose the same, as it may deem appropriate. Under the new law, the agency is also tasked to develop and maintain a database and census of families and households along waterways, in danger areas, government infrastructure project sites, and government-owned lands in Metro Manila and all regions across the country. It must also establish a socialized and low-cost housing loan restructuring and condonation program, subject to the terms and conditions as the Board of Directors may prescribe. It was also stated that nothing in this Act shall operate to abolish the Authority and affect the validity or legality of any right, duty, or obligation created by or in respect of the Authority prior to the effectivity of this Act. Further, the NHA shall continue to assume all rights, obligations, and liabilities that it had during the effectivity of its original charter. The DHSUD, meanwhile, shall cause the Board to deliberate and reach agreements on the reorganization of the Authority, pursuant to Republic Act No. 11201, especially with regard to the mandates of the Authority and its relations to other key shelter agencies (KSAs) and local government units. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ayushman enrolments see dip as private hospitals back off over rates, delays
Ayushman enrolments see dip as private hospitals back off over rates, delays (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: Empanelment of hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Arogya Yojana has dropped significantly, from an average of 316 per month in 2024 to 111 per month in 2025, as of April. Data shared by National Health Authority (NHA) on scheme's dashboard shows that 443 hospitals were empanelled under the AB-PMJAY across India in four months - 161 in Jan, 187 in Feb, 40 in March and 55 in April. In May, the latest update shows, 20 hospitals were empanelled. Many healthcare associations point out that low package rates and delayed payments are key reasons behind the lukewarm response to government schemes from the private sector, especially large corporate hospital chains. However, a senior official of NHA - the implementing agency of the AB-PMJAY - said empanelment is taking place and that some of the new empanelments may not have been updated as they were migrating to a new system. AB-PMJAY, which is available in all states/UTs, except West Bengal, offers treatment worth Rs 5 lakh and, in some cases, more, per family for treatment of nearly 2,000 procedures involving specialties, including medical oncology (cancer treatment), emergency care, orthopaedic and urology (kidney-related ailments). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The CEO of a top hospital chain in Delhi, the latest state to join the scheme, told TOI that package rates offered for various procedures under the AB-PMJAY were lower than their input cost. "We may join the scheme if the package rates are increased," he said. The Indian Medical Association has also stressed on the need to increase package rates to make treatment under the scheme more sustainable. "The rates should be raised to at least CGHS level," said an IMA office-bearer. As many as 609 private hospitals have opted out of the scheme since 2018, minister of state for health Prataprao Jadhav said in a written response to a Parliament question in March. "The reasons for hospitals voluntarily opting out include empanelment only for Covid period, hospitals were closed or non-functional, changes in hospital entity, hospital relocated, ongoing reconstruction or renovation, unavailability of specialist doctors, voluntary withdrawal from scheme, package rates, opting out due to certain treatment packages reserved for public hospitals only (Chhattisgarh and Gujarat), and no referral from public hospitals (Karnataka)," he added.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan provides shorter trade route for Central Asia: Aleem
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan emphasised the need to focus on enhancing trade with Russia and Central Asian states, noting that Pakistan provides a shorter and more strategic trade route for the region. The federal minister made these remarks while chairing a joint session with the National Logistics Cell (NLC) and the National Highways Authority (NHA) and during a meeting with NLC Director General Maj Gen Farrukh Shehzad Rao. Abdul Aleem Khan underscored the importance of a unified platform involving relevant ministries and institutions to drive trade facilitation and corridor connectivity. He appreciated the NLC's vital role in promoting trade and acknowledged its commendable services towards national development. During the session, DG NLC Maj Gen Farrukh Shehzad Rao briefed the Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, on the organisation's performance and upcoming projects. The NHA chairman and senior officials also highlighted areas of mutual cooperation between the two institutions. In a separate high-level review meeting chaired by Aleem Khan, discussions were held on the NHA's Annual Maintenance Plan. The meeting approved maintenance, lighting and fencing projects for the Gujranwala Bypass, Tarnol-Kohat Road and Kamra Cantonment Road. The federal minister directed that all future NHA maintenance schemes must be approved by the authorised forum. He emphasised that the approval process should be fully transparent with cost-effectiveness, adherence to quality standards, and long-term utility as guiding principles. Aleem Khan reiterated that the primary goal is to enhance travel convenience for the public and ensure that National Highways are as comfortable and efficient as possible. He added that NHA officers must focus solely on improving performance and noted a marked improvement under the authority's new team. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Quetta-Zhob Road included in PSDP, NA body informed
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications under the Chairmanship of Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, MNA reviewed the Ministry's responses to previous recommendations, focusing on key infrastructure projects aimed at improving national connectivity and road safety. The NHA informed the Committee that the Quetta-Zhob Road, including the Zhob Bypass, has been included in this year's PSDP. However, due to limited funds, the Loralai Bypass will be considered for inclusion in the next PSDP, in response to the Committee's previous recommendations. The Committee took up Calling Attention Notice No. 21, raised by Syed Waseem Hussain, MNA, and other members of the National Assembly. The Committee reiterated public concerns about the high tolls being charged at several points on the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M-9), emphasizing the necessity for fair tolling and transparent revenue collection. Since the Parliamentary Secretary for Communications was unavailable to attend, the Ministry was asked to submit its response at the next meeting. Furthermore, the Committee asked a detailed report from the National Highway Authority (NHA) for the upcoming session. The Committee was briefed on the progress of the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, a project of considerable strategic and economic significance. The Ministry informed the Committee that the project would be financed through the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), following the approval of the project proposal by the P3A Board and the revised PC-1 by ECNEC. It was noted that Section I (Hyderabad to Tando Adam) and Section II (Tando Adam to Nawabshah) are planned to be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Construction work on these two sections is expected to commence by March 2026, contingent upon land acquisition and the availability of funds. Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Rs. 34 billion has been demanded as mobilization funding against the total project cost of Rs. 399 billion, with completion targeted within 30 months. The Committee was informed that the Shahdadkot Bypass is scheduled to be included in the PSDP for the next financial year, as the PC-1 was not prepared in time for this year's submission, following the Committee's earlier recommendations. An member, however, pointed out that the project had been part of the 2019 PSDP, implying that the PC-1 must have been prepared at that time. The NHA was instructed to look into the matter and report back at the next meeting. During the briefing on the progress of the Karachi-Northern Bypass (M-10) dualization, the Ministry informed the Committee that the project is being considered as part of the broader M-10 project. The feasibility study has been completed, and it was concluded that the solicited proposal was not viable; therefore, that option has been dropped. The NHA now plans to construct a new motorway starting from Karachi Port to Hyderabad, extending towards Sukkur, as the existing M-9 does not meet the technical standards of a motorway and is classified as an expressway. The Committee asked the Ministry to provide detailed information on toll collection, including its utilization, the routine and route-wise maintenance mechanisms, as well as the allocation and utilization of funds for regional maintenance. Committee asked the Ministry to present an update on the Khanozai-Kuchlak road project, along with all relevant details, in the next meeting. Additionally, the Committee emphasized that the meetings of the Standing Committee should be attended by NHA Members from all provinces, with particular emphasis on representation from Balochistan and Sindh. A report detailing the repair and maintenance work carried out on the previously identified toll plazas, along with the complete repair and maintenance policy, is to be submitted at the next meeting. The NHA's deputation policy, along with an updated list of deputationists, is to be submitted at the next meeting. The Ministry was asked to provide a clear timeline for the completion of the Ranipur-Moro project, along with all relevant details, in the next meeting. The meeting was attended by the members of the Standing Committee, including Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar, Haji Jamal Shah Kakar, Akhtar Bibi, Dr. Darshan, Mir Shabbir Ali Bijarani, Nazir Ahmed Bhugio, Mehboob Shah, Abdul Latif, Ramesh Lal, Fiaz Hussain, Muhammad Usman Badini, and Hameed Hussain, all MNAs. In addition, Syed Waseem Hussain, MNA and the mover of the Calling Attention Notice, also participated in the meeting. Senior officials from the Ministry of Communications, along with representatives from its affiliated departments, were also present at the meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Ayushman Card for Senior Citizens: How 70+ senior citizens can get Rs 5 lakh free medical cover via App
The government is improving healthcare access for senior citizens. Individuals aged 70 and above can now get free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. This is under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card can be obtained through the Ayushman App. Aadhaar is mandatory for enrolment. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who can apply for Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY? What is the benefit for senior citizens (70+) under PM-JAY? Popular in Wealth 1. UPS benefits announced for these retired govt employees and their spouses: Know how to claim UPS benefits, deadline to apply How to apply for an Ayushman Vay Vandana Card? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Here are important FAQs on Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY In a major step towards improving healthcare accessibility for senior citizens, the government is now providing the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card through the Ayushman App . Under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), a national public health insurance scheme, the Indian government offers free medical treatment coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for individuals aged 70 and government of India launched the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY on September 23, 2018. The scheme, implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA), provides cashless treatment in secondary and tertiary-both public and empanelled private hospitals- across the Bharat Vay Vandana Card for senior citizens above 70 years: How to enroll to get Rs 5 lakh health insuranceRead more at: senior citizens aged 70 or above, regardless of economic status, are eligible for free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh under this government is now offering a special provision for senior citizens aged 70 and above, who can now get their Ayushman Vay Vandana Card issued via the Ayushman App or website to avail up to Rs 5 lakh in free medical treatment annually."Senior citizens aged 70 and above can now get their Ayushman Vay Vandana Card through the Ayushman App and access Rs 5 lakh of free treatment. Watch this video to learn how to create an Ayushman Vay Vandana Card and unlock essential healthcare benefits," said the Ministry of Health in a post on social media X (earlier Twitter).Step 1: Download the Ayushman 2: Log in as a beneficiary or 3: Enter the captcha, mobile number, and do 4: Enter OTP and captcha code, and then click 5: Allow access to the device's 6: Enter the beneficiary's data, including state and Aadhaar 7: If no beneficiary is located, proceed with the eKYC process. Give your agreement for 8: Provide a declaration and fill up the appropriate 9: Enter the beneficiary's mobile number and the 10: Fill in the details, including the category and PIN 11: Add family members' information and proceed to 12: Once e-KYC is complete, you will be able to download the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card after The only eligibility criterion is that the individual must be aged 70 years or above, as determined by the age recorded in their Aadhaar card, regardless of economic Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for the enrolment and issuance of Ayushman cards for eligible senior is the only document needed for enrolment in the AB PMJAY Senior Citizen the beneficiary can apply for the Ayushman Bharat Senior Citizen Scheme through our website portal - and the Ayushman App (available for Android on the Google Play Store).
