CM orders fast-track execution of new hospitals, timely funds for health projects

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Friday directed the authorities concerned to expedite the establishment of new hospitals included in the Annual Development Programme and ensure timely allocation of funds for ongoing health sector projects on a priority basis.
According to an official handout, chairing a review meeting on priority projects of the Health Department, the chief minister also directed the department to submit, within one week, comprehensive details of the scope of work and estimated costs for revamping of District Headquarters Hospitals.
He emphasised that resource constraints would not be allowed to impede provision of quality and timely healthcare services to the public.
The chief minister said providing accessible and improved healthcare at people’s doorsteps was a fundamental responsibility of the government and underscored the importance of upgrading public sector hospitals and Basic Health Units, alongside advancing healthcare reforms and expanding access to modern medical facilities.
Ensuring quality healthcare for people in remote and underserved areas remained a key government priority, he said, adding that practical measures were underway to address shortages of doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel.
He said he was personally monitoring fund utilisation, construction quality, clinical standards and implementation timelines, making it clear that negligence in project execution would not be tolerated.
“Investment in the health sector is an investment in the brighter future of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said, adding that citizens should not have to travel long distances to access essential treatment.
The meeting was informed that revamping of 32 DHQ hospitals was underway under the Rs33 billion Revamping of Secondary Care DHQ Hospitals Project, aimed at upgrading infrastructure and strengthening service delivery. The project encompasses infrastructure rehabilitation, upgrading of medical equipment, outsourcing of selected services and supplementation of clinical services.
Officials said medical equipment worth Rs2.5 billion had already been provided to the 32 DHQ hospitals, designs for 29 hospitals had been approved and contractors mobilised.
The meeting was also briefed on progress towards establishing major facilities at key locations. In Kohat, a summary for acquisition of land for a 1,000-bed medical complex had been moved forward. In Malakand, land for a 1,000-bed hospital had been identified and the acquisition process was underway.
For the proposed general hospital at Benazir Ground in Peshawar, the PC-II had been prepared and submitted to the Planning Department for approval. Similarly, Section 4 had been invoked to facilitate land acquisition for the proposed Women and Children Hospital in Bara, while its PC-II had also been submitted for approval.
The chief minister directed the relevant authorities to maintain implementation momentum and ensure timely processing of administrative and financial requirements.