Provincial Minister for Health, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khaleeq ur Rehman, chaired a comprehensive review meeting of District Health Officers (DHOs) on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Khyber Medical University, Hayatabad Phase-V, Peshawar. Secretary Health Fayaz Ali Shah was also present.
The meeting was convened to review the overall performance of District Health Officers, assess progress on previous decisions, and evaluate the delivery of health services across the province. DHOs from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa presented updates regarding the performance of their respective districts and highlighted key challenges requiring attention.
The meeting reviewed the implementation status of previous decisions and examined HR and Medical Officer availability, staff attendance, availability and timely delivery of medicines, functionality of equipment and health infrastructure, cleanliness and sanitation, DHIS data, BEmONC services, immunization and malaria control activities.
The Provincial Minister took a detailed review of district-level service delivery and stressed that the performance of health facilities must be assessed on the basis of actual services being provided to patients. He directed DHOs to ensure the continued functionality of health facilities, availability of essential medicines and medical staff, proper utilization of equipment and timely resolution of administrative and operational issues.
Particular emphasis was placed on Human Resources and staff attendance. The Minister directed the concerned officers to ensure the presence of doctors and other healthcare workers at their assigned facilities and to strengthen monitoring mechanisms so that staff availability translates into improved patient care.
The meeting also reviewed the availability and timely delivery of medicines. DHOs were directed to ensure that essential medicines reach health facilities without unnecessary delays and that medicine stocks are properly monitored. The Minister stressed that patients should not face difficulties due to shortages of essential medicines.
The functionality of equipment and infrastructure was also discussed in detail. The Minister directed the DHOs to regularly monitor the condition and functionality of medical equipment and health infrastructure and ensure that deficiencies are promptly reported and addressed.
The meeting further reviewed cleanliness and sanitation at health facilities. The Minister emphasized that clean and hygienic health facilities are essential for quality healthcare and directed DHOs and facility management to maintain proper standards of cleanliness.
Progress and quality of DHIS data and reporting were also reviewed. The Minister stressed the importance of accurate, timely and reliable data for effective planning, monitoring and decision-making in the Health Department.
The performance of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) services was reviewed with particular focus on ensuring the availability of essential maternal and newborn healthcare services. The Minister directed the concerned officers to identify gaps and take immediate measures to improve service delivery.
The meeting also reviewed immunization and malaria control services at the district level. DHOs were directed to ensure effective implementation of relevant programmes, improve coverage and strengthen monitoring, particularly in areas where service delivery gaps exist.
While reviewing the overall performance of districts, the Minister appreciated the efforts being made by DHOs and health teams but emphasized that continuous improvement, stronger monitoring and greater accountability are required to achieve better health outcomes.
The Minister directed that primary healthcare facilities, particularly BHUs and RHCs, should be strengthened so that people can receive quality healthcare closer to their homes and unnecessary referrals to tertiary hospitals can be reduced.
He further directed DHOs to maintain close coordination with the provincial Health Department, regularly monitor the performance of health facilities and ensure timely implementation of decisions. District-specific issues should be identified and resolved through effective coordination and follow-up.
Provincial Minister for Health Khaleeq ur Rehman said that improving healthcare delivery at the district and primary-care level remains a key priority of the Health Department. He directed all DHOs to focus on areas requiring improvement and ensure that available human resources, medicines, equipment and infrastructure are utilized effectively for the benefit of patients.
The Minister stressed that accountability, attendance, cleanliness, availability of medicines, functional equipment, accurate data reporting and quality primary healthcare services must remain central to district-level health management.
The meeting concluded with directions for continued monitoring of district performance and implementation of the decisions taken, with the objective of further improving health services and ensuring better healthcare facilities for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.