PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Advisor Ehtesham Ali inaugurated CT Scan, Endoscopy, and Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) services at Police & Services Hospital in Peshawar.
The move is expected to dramatically improve access to essential medical tests for government employees, their families, and the general public. Speaking at the inauguration, Ehtesham Ali stated that the inclusion of these services will not only enhance the hospital’s capacity but also reduce the burden on other public hospitals, where patients were previously referred for such procedures. “With the introduction of these facilities, patients no longer need to travel long distances or wait weeks for essential diagnostic tests,” he said.
He noted that the Police & Services Hospital is a vital institution, serving as the primary healthcare facility for hundreds of thousands of government employees and their dependents. “For many, this hospital is the only affordable and accessible option,” the advisor added. He also commended the hospital’s management, particularly Medical Superintendent Dr. Mushtaq Afridi, for their commitment to improving service delivery.
The Police & Services Hospital Peshawar has historically catered to government employees, police personnel, and their families. While it has provided general medical care, the lack of modern diagnostic tools such as CT scans, endoscopic procedures, and cardiac stress testing (ETT) was a major gap in service delivery. As a result, patients were often referred to private hospitals or tertiary care hospitals, leading to delays in diagnosis, increased out-of-pocket expenses, and overburdening of other facilities.
Despite being strategically located in Peshawar, the hospital has operated under constraints due to limited infrastructure and funding. Over the years, several calls were made by hospital staff and civil servant unions to upgrade diagnostic capabilities. The newly inaugurated services mark a fulfilment of long-standing demands and reflect the government’s renewed focus on public sector healthcare reform.
Dr. Mushtaq Afridi, the Medical Superintendent, welcomed the development and shared that the new diagnostic services are expected to triple outpatient department (OPD) visits, as patients will now have access to testing within the hospital premises.
“These procedures, especially CT scans and endoscopies, are vital for early diagnosis of serious conditions. Until now, patients faced long referral processes or unaffordable private lab costs.
He said that the services are not just limited to government employees. “The general public will also be able to access these services, helping expand our hospital’s role in supporting the province’s broader health system.”
This initiative aligns with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s goal to modernise public healthcare facilities and ensure equitable access to quality medical services across the province, especially for those serving in public institutions.
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