Concern over KP healthcare system as 200 hospitals remain closed for years
“More than 200 hospitals of various categories across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have remained closed for years, raising concerns about the province’s healthcare infrastructure, Health Adviser Johar Nigar…”
Speaking during a briefing here on Saturday, the health adviser said that around 30,697 employees are currently working in the provincial health sector, which serves a population of approximately 40 million. He highlighted a significant shortage of healthcare facilities, stating that the province requires around 64,000 hospital beds, compared to the existing capacity of just 18,000 beds.
The health adviser announced that 124 hospitals across the province would be shifted to solar energy to improve their electricity supply and reduce operational costs. He further said that Rs1.065 billion would be spent on purchasing medical equipment for hospitals in 12 districts, while an additional Rs2 billion would be allocated for hospitals in 25 districts.
Clarifying the government's position on the Sehat Card programme, Johar Nigar said it would not be discontinued. Instead, its shortcomings would be addressed and the programme further improved. He also revealed that the Prime Minister had pledged Rs1.462 billion for the establishment of a children's hospital in Hayatabad.
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Furthermore, the federal government would provide Rs850 million for establishing breast cancer treatment centres in five divisions of the province. The announcements come amid growing concerns over the shortage of hospital beds, closure of healthcare facilities and the need to improve access to medical services across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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