K-P starts hiring drive to bolster healthcare
The study also found commercial mental health chatbots, like those from Character.ai and 7cups, performed worse than base models and lacked regulatory oversight, despite being used by millions. PHOTO: PEXELS
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has initiated a significant recruitment process to fill 2,439 vacant positions of Medical Officers, Dental Surgeons, and Nurses across the province, aiming to strengthen primary and secondary healthcare facilities and improve service delivery to the public.
Provincial Health Minister Khaliqur Rehman announced the drive as part of broader efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure and address staffing shortages. Shortlisted candidates will undergo final interviews on April 8 with applications invited immediately.
The vacancies include 1,425 posts for Medical Officers, 250 for Dental Surgeons, and 764 for Nurses. Appointments will be made on a one-year contract basis, extendable depending on performance. There is no age limit for applicants, but candidates must possess recognized qualifications in their respective fields, complete house jobs where applicable, and hold valid registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) or Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC).
Minister Khaliqur Rehman emphasized that the recruitment is a key step toward overcoming the shortage of doctors and paramedical staff in the province. "This initiative will make basic and secondary health centers more effective and operational, ensuring better medical facilities for the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa," he said.
He added that the entire process would be conducted with complete transparency and strictly on merit, in accordance with the rules of the Health Department. Applications, accompanied by all required documents, must be submitted to the offices of the respective Divisional Commissioners by the deadline of April 8. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews. The merit list will remain valid for one year.
The minister reiterated the provincial government's commitment to strengthening the healthcare system. "The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government is determined to provide quality medical services to every citizen. This recruitment drive is part of our ongoing efforts to revamp health facilities and bridge gaps in medical staffing," he stated.
Health officials noted that the move comes in response to persistent challenges in staffing rural and underserved areas. By injecting fresh medical personnel into the system, authorities expect improved patient care, reduced waiting times, and better management of routine and emergency health services at district and tehsil levels.
Eligible candidates are advised to submit only one application form per division, clearly indicating their preferences. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the official website of the Health Department.
This recruitment is seen as a timely intervention to support the province's healthcare network, which has faced strain due to population growth and increasing demand for quality services. Government sources expressed hope that successful implementation would set the stage for further improvements in the sector.