Kundi urges action to tackle healthcare crisis

At World Health Day conference, governor highlights poor rural health facilities

PESHAWAR:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the lack of basic medical facilities for the province's population of over 40 million, stressing the need for collective efforts to address the issue.

The remarks were made during a Health Policy Conference held at the Governor House in connection with World Health Day. The event was organized by the Peoples Doctors Forum and attended by Governor Kundi as the chief guest.

The conference drew participation from prominent figures including former Federal Minister Arbab Alamgir, President of the Peoples Doctors Forum Dr Janbaz Afridi, Dr Fakhruddin, Dr Bahr Karam Yousafzai, Dr Sarfaraz Khan Afridi, Dr Zahir Shah, Dr Karim Khawaja, as well as representatives from the Provincial Doctors Association, Young Doctors Association, and medical professionals from across Pakistan and abroad.

During the session, prayers were offered for the speedy recovery of President Asif Ali Zardari and for the elevation of the ranks of the late Senator Taj Haider.

Speakers shared a range of recommendations to improve the healthcare system in the province. They discussed current challenges, patient care issues, and proposed comprehensive policy reforms.

In his address, Governor Kundi expressed concern over the persistent lack of basic healthcare services despite the provincial government allocating Rs 232 billion for the health sector. He noted ongoing issues such as inadequate hospital care, shortages of medicines and doctors, lack of hospital beds, and difficulties in accessing the Insaf Health Card.

He highlighted that the situation in rural areas is particularly dire, with preventable diseases such as childbirth complications, hepatitis, tuberculosis, heart disease, and diabetes claiming hundreds of lives each year.

Governor Kundi emphasized the urgent need for improving healthcare infrastructure, pointing out that while international organizations recommend allocating 5–10% of a country's GDP to health, Pakistan's spending remains below 3%.