K-P hospitals, colleges get funding boost

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has released Rs2.98 billion for the 29 hospitals and medical colleges across the province. Two weeks ago it also provided Rs2.85 billion for 15 medical teaching institute (MTI) hospitals in the province in order to help them overcome financial constraints.

Advisor to Caretaker Chief Minister on Health, Dr Riaz Anwar told The Express Tribune that finance department has already informed the health department about the release of funds.

Ayub Medical College Abbottabad has been given Rs170 million, Ayub Medical Complex Rs200 million, Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital Bannu Rs80 million, Bannu Medical College Rs6.2 million, Gomal Medical College Rs60 million and Mufti Mehmood Teaching Hospital DI Khan, Rs50.40 million.

In parallel development, the K-P government has taken a commendable step to address the healthcare needs of remote areas in the merged districts. A fleet of ten vehicles has been allocated to health department officials, transforming them into mobile hospitals. These vehicles, originally donated by the German Development Bank KFW under the Mobile Hospital Centralized Program for Tribal Areas in 2013, have been revitalized after essential repairs.

This initiative is set to bridge the healthcare gap in regions where basic medical facilities were lacking. The mobile hospitals are equipped to handle minor operations, laboratory examinations, X-rays, dental treatments, and maternity needs. Recognizing the significance of this endeavor, a ceremony was held at Civil Secretariat Peshawar, attended by key figures, including Caretaker Minister Dr Aamer Abdullah, Advisor on Health Dr Riaz Anwar, and Health Secretary Mahmood Aslam Wazir.

Read K-P to set up complaint cell for govt depts

During the ceremony, keys to the refurbished vehicles were handed over to District Health Officers of the merged districts. Dr Aamer Abdullah emphasized that these revitalized vehicles are national assets now dedicated to serving the people in areas where healthcare facilities are inadequate.

Dr Riaz Anwar highlighted the mobile hospitals’ role in providing essential health services to rural communities, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving healthcare in tribal areas.

The caretaker government plans to extend this initiative, with seventeen more vehicles set to undergo repairs and join the mission to bolster healthcare services in the merged districts.

Dr Abdullah expressed optimism that the health department would effectively deploy these vehicles, considering the challenging health conditions in tribal areas.

Health Secretary Mahmood Aslam Wazir assured that the health department would furnish the mobile hospitals with essential medicines, fuel, and necessary equipment to ensure the success of this initiative. He reiterated the government’s special focus on enhancing facilities in the merged districts, aiming to extend healthcare benefits to these areas on par with other regions. This collaborative effort reflects a commitment to advancing public health and well-being in underserved communities.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2023.