SBP extends refinance facility to hospitals serving non-Covid-19 patients.

KARACHI -- In light of the deteriorating situation of healthcare in Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has extended its refinance facility to hospitals serving non-Covid-19 patients.

In a statement released on Monday, the SBP stated, 'To cope with the rising needs of the health facilities in general in the country, SBP has allowed hospitals serving patients even other than Covid-19 to avail this facility.'

Additionally, the refinance facility now allows manufacturers of protective gears and equipment, including items such as masks, dresses, testing kits, hospital beds, and ventilators, to avail the scheme.

On March 17, the SBP had introduced a refinance scheme titled 'Refinance Facility to Combat Covid-19 (RFCC)', which was designed to support the health sector during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under this scheme, the SBP provided loans to banks at 0pc, which could then charge a maximum rate of 3pc for five years to hospitals and medical centres who need a loan to buy medical equipment and set up isolation wards. The scheme is available until end-September 2020.

The scheme's...