DLP Report
PESHAWAR
A meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet, Supervisory Committee regarding outsourced hospitals was held today under the chairmanship of Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Health Ihtesham Ali.
The meeting was attended by committee members, including Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Arshad Ayub and Minister for Agriculture Major (Retd.) Sajjad Barakwal.
While other participants included Special Secretary Budget and Development Habibullah, Director General Health Dr. Muhammad Saleem, Managing Director KP Health Foundation Dr. Adnan Taj, and representatives from the Finance, Law, and Parliamentary Affairs Departments. During the meeting, the committee was briefed on the current status of outsourced hospitals, their outstanding payments, and related agreements. It was informed that 19 hospitals across the province, including those in tribal districts, have been outsourced.
Expressing concern, the Minister for Agriculture noted that patients are being referred to hospitals in Peshawar despite the availability of specialists in outsourced hospitals. He emphasized the need for providing attractive salaries and benefits to healthcare staff working in remote areas, which are currently lacking.
The committee stressed the immediate completion of the Health Foundation’s Board of Directors. It also directed the activation of the Search and Nomination Committee and completion of the Health Foundation Board by January 15. Additionally, the committee instructed engagement with hospital-operating organizations to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services.
A detailed briefing on establishing a one-window operation for outsourced hospitals will be presented in the next meeting. The committee also directed the timely payment of outstanding dues to Implementing Partners (IPs) for the current quarter. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for January 15, 2024.
