PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has said that his government is striving to steer the province towards self-reliance and financial autonomy.

“We’reimplementing revolutionary reforms in social sectors like education and health to actualise the vision of a welfare state as envisioned by our leader Imran Khan,” Mr Gandapur said during a certificate distribution ceremony at the Khyber Medical University here on Friday.

The event was held for the first batch of a six-week specialised training course for nurses. The course was conducted by a consortium of British universities, the health department, and KMU.

PTI Senator Shibli Faraz, minister for higher education Meena Khan Afridi, health adviser Ihtesham Ali, sports and tourism minister Syed Fakhr Jahan, KMU vice chancellor Prof Ziaul Haq, special secretary (health) Dr Ijaz Hussain, registrar Inamullah Wazir, and heads of various institutions, faculty members, and students, were also in attendance.

He praises KMU’s contributions to research, education and training

The chief minister said self-reliance and financial autonomy played a vital role in a nation’s development, and it was the mission of his government.

He noted that there was no shortage of resources and talents in the province, but the real challenge was setting the priorities right.

“To move forward, we need to promote merit, justice, and a spirit of sacrifice within ourselves,” he said.

Mr Gandapur said youth were the nation’s asset, so their development with modern knowledge and training was the government’s responsibility.

He said preparing the young generation to meet future challenges and compete in the international market was crucial.

“Individuals serving in the health and education sectors, including teachers, doctors, paramedics, and nurses, are our true heroes,” he said.

The CM praised KMU for its commendable contributions to research, education, and training across various health disciplines.

He said any space required for the establishment of new institutes at KMU would be provided immediately on identification.

Mr Gandapur said the concept of a welfare state introduced by Imran Khan was based on social justice, and without a system of accountability, merit, and justice, collective national progress couldn’t be achieved.

He highlighted the need for medical staff to view their service in remote areas of the province as a national duty and a challenge.

“Building a nation requires sacrifices, and we must be prepared to give up our comfort today for the benefit of future generations,” he said.

The CM stressed the importance of teamwork and said no task could be completed alone. “Only by embodying selflessness and compassion can we alleviate the suffering of humanity,” he said.

Highlighting the vital role of nurses in hospitals, the CM said patients spend most of their time with nurses, so if nurses possessed both professional skills and a spirit of service, patients would receive better care and treatment.

Mr Gandapur praised the launch of the project to train over 500 nurses professionally, describing it as a promising step.

He noted that after the successful completion of this project, it would be expanded to include the private sector, with trained nurses becoming master trainers to assist in further training.

“There is a need for reforms in the education system to align it with market requirements. Our government will provide guidance and support to universities in this endeavour,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2024