Independent Report
PESHAWAR, Jan 22: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has directed the provincial health department to accelerate ongoing reforms in response to increasing patient loads at major hospitals and public health challenges. The instructions were issued during a high-level health sector meeting at the Chief Minister Secretariat, Peshawar.
The CM emphasized the need for a comprehensive and long-term strategy rather than short-term “firefighting” measures, calling for sustainable initiatives with far-reaching impact on public health. He instructed that the revamping of primary and secondary hospitals be fast-tracked to reduce pressure on major healthcare facilities and that essential services at local health centers be strengthened.
Afridi directed strict measures to curb unnecessary referrals, while insisting that unavoidable referrals be supported by valid justification. He also instructed practical plans to increase ICU and MTI hospital bed capacity, enhanced focus on pediatric services, and allocation of budget under the Health Card program for children’s treatment.
He further directed that burden-sharing agreements with private hospitals under the Health Card program be finalized promptly, hospital staff availability be ensured through nearby accommodations for doctors, and hospital systems be upgraded to avoid delays in test results due to technical issues.
The CM underlined that health and education are directly linked to public welfare and must receive priority attention. He stressed that public health remains the government’s top priority and that resource constraints will not hinder reforms and service delivery.
