Salman Yousafzai
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has allocated over Rs 27.24 billion for 182 development projects in the health sector for the current fiscal year. Official documents indicate that 89 of these projects are ongoing, while 93 are new initiatives. The majority of the projects—96 in total—are focused on general hospitals, with an expenditure of Rs 11.68 billion. Additionally, Rs 9.52 billion has been designated for 48 projects in the primary health sector, Rs 1.78 billion for 17 medical education and training projects, Rs 3.98 billion for 16 preventive health program projects, and Rs 250 million for 4 teaching hospital projects. One social action program project has received Rs 5 million in funding.
However, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department did not release funds for numerous important basic health projects during the last fiscal year (2024-25), leaving these projects still pending. According to official data, billions of rupees were allocated for these initiatives, but not a single rupee was disbursed. For example, Rs 15 million was allocated for providing free treatment to the public under the Social Health Protection Initiative, and Rs 17.4 million for upgrading the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Hazarkhwani, but neither project could commence due to a lack of available funds. Furthermore, Rs 86 million was allocated to keep 200 BHUs operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the province, but this amount remains unused. The project to provide 24-hour facilities in 50 rural health centres, requiring Rs 55.5 million, also has not received the necessary funding.
Residents report that the closure of funding has resulted in patients not receiving timely medical attention, forcing them to bear the costs of travelling to the city for treatment. BHUs in rural areas typically close at 2 PM, leaving patients with no option but to seek care in nearby urban areas. If funds are not released soon, these projects will face further delays and exacerbate the already strained health system in the province. Locals are urging the government to prioritise these crucial health projects and hold the responsible institutions accountable to ensure that people in rural areas receive essential medical services.
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