DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Provincial minister for health Khaliq-ur-Rehman on Monday handed over new vehicles provided under the Mobile Outreach Immunization Activities to concerned authorities to strengthen immunization services in remote and hard-to-reach districts of the province, said a handout.
Secretary Health Shahidullah Khan and Director Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Mehtab were also present on the occasion.
The statement said that under the initiative, 16 districts have been provided with vehicles to improve access to routine immunization services.
These districts include South Waziristan, Mansehra, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Upper Dir, Karak, Mohmand, Upper Kohistan, Buner, Torghar, Battagram, Shangla, Kohat, Chitral and Tank.
The vehicles will be used to ensure timely vaccination of children living in remote and underdeveloped areas, thereby enhancing outreach and coverage.
Addressing the ceremony, Provincial Health Minister Khaliq-ur-Rehman expressed gratitude to Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF for their continued support, stating that their cooperation has played a vital role in strengthening the province’s immunization system.
He said the addition of these vehicles would significantly enhance the outreach capacity of the health department and ensure that no child is deprived of immunization due to geographical barriers.
The minister further informed that the health department, in collaboration with the provincial government, is in the process of finalizing a comprehensive health policy aimed at introducing robust reforms and bringing positive and sustainable changes to the health sector.
He said the proposed reforms would strengthen the department and ensure uniform provision of health facilities across the province, enabling citizens to access quality healthcare without discrimination.
Responding to questions from media representatives, the minister said the health department is working round the clock to address existing and future challenges.
Acknowledging the increasing burden on hospitals due to rapid population growth and limited facilities, he said the provincial government plans to establish new hospitals and expand existing ones to ease pressure on major healthcare institutions.
He added that steps are also being taken to create new posts for doctors, nurses and paramedical staff to meet human resource requirements.
The minister assured that issues related to shortages of equipment, staff, medicines and other resources are being addressed on a priority basis.
