PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has said that government is spending huge amount to make healthcare services 24 hours operational in 200 basic units and 50 rural health centres under a mega programme to serve patients at primary, secondary and tertiary level effectively.

Presiding over a meeting the other day, he reviewed progress on various interventions and reforms undertaken in health sector, a statement said.

The meeting was told that a mega scheme was underway to strengthen all the 200 basic health units (BHUs).

Similarly, a project is also underway for the rehabilitation of all 50 rural health centres (RHCs) across the province.

The initiatives are aimed at improving primary healthcare by good physical outlook, regular staff presence, availability of essential medicines, critical equipment and diagnostic services in these BHUs and RHCs.

Mahmood Khan reviews progress on health sector reforms

In secondary healthcare sector, work is underway on revamping of 25 district headquarters hospitals.

The project is aimed at renovation of infrastructure of these hospitals, posting of additional medical staff including specialist doctors, availability of medical equipment, outsourcing of diagnostic services and establishment of ICUs, burn units, dialysis units, physiotherapy and other allied units in the existing buildings of the hospitals.

Similarly, work is underway on outsourcing of 12 district headquarters hospitals in the backward districts of the province which will not only provide better treatment facilities to the people of remote areas at the local level but will also provide employment opportunities to locals.

The meeting was informed that steps were being taken to strengthen tertiary healthcare sector and 10 projects would be completed by June next year.

These projects include Fountain House Peshawar, Bacha Khan Medical College Mardan Phase II, Bannu Medical College Phase II, Institute of Nursing and Medical Technology Peshawar, Blood Transfusion Project Phase II, Construction of Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Block at Hayatabad Medical Complex and other schemes.

The meeting was informed that upgradation of 13 health service delivery outlets in various districts was reflected in Annual Development Programme 2020-21.

The chief minister said that a number of important projects were being implemented in health sector to align the services of hospitals to the requirements of modern age.

He said that with the completion of those projects, people of the province would see a radical change in the health sector.

Stressing on the need for timely completion of ongoing projects and reforms in health sector, he directed the authorities concerned to take necessary steps to expedite the implementation of the projects.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2021