Access to healthcare a fundamental right, says Governor Kundi

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has said that access to health facilities is a fundamental right of every citizen and the foundation of social development, while a healthy population guarantees a strong economy, an active workforce and a prosperous future.
He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 16th two-day conference of the Pakistan Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Peshawar on Saturday, said a handout.
President of the Association Prof Dr Riaz Warraich, Chief Organiser Prof Dr Muslim Khan and other personalities associated with the medical profession attended the conference. On the occasion, the Governor presented shields to medical experts in recognition of their professional services.
The Governor said strengthening the health sector in the province and making it effective was among the top priorities. He stressed the need for improving medical infrastructure, providing modern equipment and increasing access to specialised treatment.
He said quality medical facilities should not remain confined to big cities only, and it was essential to provide uniform and standard medical facilities to the people in all districts of the province.
For this purpose, medical colleges, teaching hospitals and medical institutions would have to be further strengthened, along with special focus on medical research, high professional training and promotion of postgraduate education.
He said young doctors should be provided maximum opportunities to polish their professional skills and serve the people.
Kundi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had faced serious challenges such as terrorism, displacement and prolonged unrest, which had put additional pressure on the system of basic public services, including health.
He said the people deserved a health system that provided them medical facilities with dignity, care and responsibility.
He said professional organisations like the Pakistan Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons could play an important role in improving the health sector.
The Governor congratulated the medical experts who received Lifetime Achievement and Honorary Fellowship Awards and said the experience and professional services of senior medical experts were an exemplary model for the young generation. He advised young doctors to make service to suffering humanity their mission while adhering to the highest principles of medical ethics.
He said a changing, improving and strong KP was desired, and a strong and quality health system was an essential part of realising that dream.