ISLAMABAD: The National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad and Excel Lab have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide special discounts on medical and healthcare services to NPC members, staff and their families.

Under the agreement, NPC members and their families will receive a 35 per cent discount on pathology tests, while 25 per cent discounts will be offered on radiology and dental services.

The MoU was signed at a ceremony held at the National Press Club. NPC President Abdul Razaq Sial and Secretary Dr Furqan Rao signed on behalf of the press club, while Head of Corporate Sales Excel Lab Kamal Khan Afridi and Tariq Ahmed Iqtidar represented Excel Lab.

Members can avail themselves of the discounts by presenting their NPC membership card or a verification letter issued by the press club at Excel Lab.

Speaking on the occasion, NPC President Abdul Razaq Sial said the leadership is continuing efforts to fulfil its commitments regarding the welfare of members. He said that following an agreement with City Lab, the NPC had now partnered with Excel Lab and is working to establish similar arrangements with other laboratories.

He said the discount on dental services is a significant feature of the agreement, enabling NPC members to receive special rates for dental treatment for the first time.

NPC Secretary Dr Furqan Rao said the new leadership is implementing its manifesto concerning members’ welfare, health and education. He said talks were underway with major laboratories in Islamabad and an MoU with IDC was also expected to be signed next week.

He said around 3,350 NPC members, besides staff and their families, including parents and children, would benefit from the healthcare agreements.

Dr Furqan Rao also highlighted the ongoing initiatives of new leadership such as on the biometric membership system, digitalisation of the press club, healthcare facilities for members and their children, and training programmes to enhance journalists’ professional skills.

He added that the NPC would also seek agreements with hospitals and pursue facilities for members in the education sector.

The secretary further said the present leadership would continue efforts to fulfil its commitments regarding Media Town Phase-II, the federal housing quota and other issues concerning NPC members.