The Minister for Health, Khaliq ur Rehman, chaired a high-level meeting to review the overall performance, functions, and ongoing reforms within the Health Department. The meeting was attended by Secretary Health Shahidullah Khan, Director General Health Services Dr. Shahid Younas, and other senior officers of the department.
During the briefing, the Minister was apprised of the structure, human resources, and operational strengths of the Health Secretariat and its directorates. He emphasized the need for ensuring transparency, defining clear roles and responsibilities, and strengthening accountability in the provision of healthcare services to the public.
The Minister directed that all governance and administrative issues be addressed promptly and that a comprehensive mechanism be implemented to ensure effective service delivery. He instructed that the Medicine Management Committee (MMC) lists be finalized at the earliest to avoid any shortage of essential medicines in hospitals.
The Minister further emphasized the need to address the shortfall of doctors and paramedical staff to ensure smooth hospital operations and uninterrupted medical care for citizens. He categorically stated that no negligence in health services would be tolerated, reiterating the provincial government’s commitment to improving the quality of healthcare as a basic public right.
He directed all concerned officers to present a detailed briefing on the Terms of Reference (TORs) and responsibilities of key positions to ensure clarity and expedite performance improvements.
The Minister instructed Regional Directors to visit at least four hospitals each month in accordance with the department’s monitoring checklist to strengthen oversight and governance. He stressed that governance challenges must be resolved on priority and that the ongoing reforms agenda should be streamlined for better coordination among all sections of the department.
Addressing issues related to the Pakistan Institute of Prosthetic and Orthotic Sciences (PIPOS), the Minister directed the Additional Director General (ADG) to re-advertise vacant posts and complete recruitment in line with current needs to ensure smooth institutional operations. He assured the institute of the government’s full support.
Regarding communicable diseases, the Minister expressed concern over the rising number of Tuberculosis (TB) cases—estimated at 277 cases per 100,000 population—and directed for a practical plan to ensure effective treatment, which may extend up to 18 months. He assured that funding and human resource needs will be met on priority.
The Minister also highlighted the alarming increase in HIV and Hepatitis cases in the province and directed the department to develop a comprehensive strategy and action plan to control and prevent their spread, emphasizing urgent and coordinated action in this regard.
The Minister reaffirmed that the Health Department’s reform and service delivery agenda will continue with full government support to ensure quality healthcare access for every citizen of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.