Health, education top priorities, says CM Afridi

PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Friday reaffirmed that the health and education sectors remained the provincial government’s foremost priorities, citing their direct impact on public welfare and human development.
Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day 2nd International Conference 2026 organised by Khyber College of Dentistry, he announced the establishment of a Basic Sciences block and a hostel facility for house officers at the institution.
The chief minister said the government was pursuing structured and forward-looking reforms to align medical education with international standards, adding that sustained investments were being made in line with the vision of former prime minister Imran Khan.
He said comprehensive reforms were under way to modernise healthcare delivery across the province, noting that revamping of district headquarters hospitals had already begun and would be extended to basic health units and rural health centres in the next phase to reduce pressure on tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar.
Mr Afridi said recruitment of 2,400 doctors, including 250 dental surgeons, was in progress, while 27 dental specialists had already been appointed. He added that stipends for house officers would be increased in the upcoming budget to encourage young professionals.
Expressing concern over delays in the Khyber Institute of Child Health Hospital project, the chief minister attributed the slowdown to non-release of funds by the federal government and termed it discriminatory. He said the provincial government would arrange interim financing if required to ensure timely completion of the project.
He further said the provincial health budget had increased from Rs30 billion to Rs275 billion over the past 13 years, reflecting the government’s commitment to the sector.
During his address, the chief minister also expressed concern over the health condition of PTI founder Imran Khan, calling for provision of adequate medical care in accordance with his fundamental rights.
After the ceremony, the chief minister visited a dental exhibition, where he was briefed on medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and related technologies. Provincial Health Minister Khaliqur Rehman and other officials were also present.