A file photo of a health worker helping a child. PHOTO: FILE/DFID
Political interference and a slow pace of execution have hampered the effectiveness of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government’s initiative to improve health services in select districts of the province.
‘Revitalisation and Strengthening the Health Services Delivery and Nutrition Services in Crisis Affected Districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’ is a public-private partnership project worth Rs2.13 billion, funded by a multi-donor trust fund managed by the World Bank. It is aimed at improving the quality of health services and promoting a healthy lifestyle in an equitable and sustainable manner.
The health department had received a grant from the K-P government under the initiative to improve the nutritional status of select districts by reaching out to women and children, those living below the poverty line, and under-served population of these areas. Part of the grant’s proceeds will be spent on contracts with NGOs to implement the project more effectively.
An official wishing not to be named said the project was initially approved at a cost of Rs2.13 billion, but then was revised on July 16 this year to Rs1.52 billion.
He added it was the first initiated in six districts of the province – Kohistan, Torghar, Lower Dir, DI Khan, Battagram and Buner.
K-P Health Department’s Health Service Research Unit (HSRU) chief Dr Shabina Raza told The Express Tribune the project was to kick start in 2012, but could not begin on time because of political pressure after the previous government’s tenure ended.
She confirmed the sum was revised to Rs1.52 billion in PC-1 (project cycle report), adding its duration was stated to be of three years, 2012-2015.
Dr Raza said the six districts had very poor health services and residents of these areas were facing immense problems as a result. She also admitted work on the project started late and only four officials have been hired for the purpose.
Reiterating the government’s resolve to step up and provide better healthcare facilities, Dr Raza said they would soon advertise and select private firms which would work in these districts. She added their first priority was to improve tehsil headquarters hospitals, district headquarters hospitals and basic health units in different villages of these districts.
Dr Raza said the HSRU would only monitor these firms, supervise their work and provide feedback after talking to the people in these areas. She maintained one of their main areas of focus would be mother and child healthcare, and providing better facilities at gynaecology departments in order to save lives and reduce infant mortality.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th,2013.
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