Peshawar, In a comprehensive operational review meeting led by Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah, key health sector officials outlined plans to enhance hospital performance, medicine availability, and healthcare delivery across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting, attended by top health officials including Secretary Health Mahmood Aslam Wazir and Director IMU Dr. Ijaz, focused on improving the functionality of hospitals, ensuring the presence of staff, and optimizing the delivery of medical services.

According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Ijaz provided an in-depth evaluation of the current state of hospitals, including the availability of medicines, the presence of medical staff, and the condition of medical equipment across the province. Health Minister Shah emphasized the mandatory presence of staff and medicines in all hospitals, issuing directives to alleviate any issues faced by the public in accessing healthcare services. Further discussions covered drug funding, primary healthcare reforms, the health card system, and improvements in the supply chain and health information services.

The meeting highlighted the government’s strategy for the next financial year to ensure an uninterrupted medicine supply, with a budget estimated on realistic grounds for timely procurement. Dr. Ikramullah, Project Director on the Primary Revamp initiative, announced plans to functionalize primary and rural health centers across the province, with 250 of them transitioning to 24-hour health centers. Efforts will also focus on integrating health centers in merged districts to enhance services through new funding and planning initiatives.

The operational review underscores a significant move towards bolstering health services and ensuring that medicines and medical equipment are available and used efficiently in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s hospitals, with an aim to meet international standards for healthcare delivery.