Hospitals overwhelmed by patient burden

K-P minister proposes strengthening primary care

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah underscored the critical need for reinforcing the primary healthcare system at the district level to alleviate the patient burden in major hospitals of Peshawar.

Speaking at a day-long training workshop for Lady Health Workers (LHWs) coordinators under the Primary Health Care Reform Project, he emphasised the imperative of enhancing the system to ensure the delivery of essential healthcare services at health centers and District Headquarters (DHQ) hospitals across the province.

Acknowledging the existing challenges within the healthcare system, Shah advocated for a collaborative approach to surmount these hurdles. He reiterated his commitment to furnishing optimal healthcare amenities, particularly in underserved regions, reaffirming his responsibility towards the public’s health.

Assuring the LHWs coordinators of swift redressal of their concerns, Shah underscored the paramount importance of prioritizing public health. He stressed the significance of treating patients with compassion and responsibility, pledging to enhance hospital facilities.

Emphasizing the indispensable role of doctors as integral members of his team, Shah underscored the necessity of collective effort in serving the populace effectively.

Dr. Shaukat Ali, the Director General of Health Services in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, echoed Shah’s sentiments, highlighting the need to augment the skills of LHWs to fortify the primary healthcare system. He pledged unwavering support towards providing enhanced healthcare facilities to the public.

Dr. Ikramullah Khan, Director of the Primary Healthcare Reforms Project, elucidated the workshop’s objectives, aiming to bolster the capabilities of district LHWs coordinators.

The workshop sought to impart a comprehensive understanding of the project’s goals, scope, and anticipated outcomes, aligning efforts towards advancing healthcare delivery in the province.

Following the workshop, better coordination between the Primary Management Unit and District Health Committee is expected, leading to timely data updates and improved reporting.

Regional Director-General Hazara Division, Dr. Shah Faisal Khanzada, Director Public Health Dr. Arshad Ali, Director IMU Dr. Ijaz, and senior officers from the Health Department were also present.

It may be mentioned that the K-P government has reinstated the comprehensive free treatment facility through the Sehat Insaf Card program across the province.

Addressing a press conference on March 12, the Health Minister announced the revival of free healthcare services under the Health Card Plus initiative, ensuring accessible healthcare for the province’s residents.

The minister highlighted the evolution of the health card initiative, which commenced in 2015, initially covering four districts and eventually expanding to encompass the entire province by 2020. With an annual expenditure of Rs18 billion, the scheme now offers 1,800 different medical treatments at no cost in 118 public and private hospitals, catering to diverse specialties.

Praising the successful implementation of Health Card services, Minister Shah emphasized its alignment with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision, which prioritizes healthcare accessibility.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2024.