Health minister chairs meeting on Swabi hospitals’ funding, infrastructure

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DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Provincial Minister for Health, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khaliq-ur-Rehman, chaired an important meeting with the Secretary Health and senior officials regarding key development initiatives and administrative matters of health institutions in District Swabi.
The meeting was also attended by MNA Asad Qaisar, MNA Shahram Tarakai, all concerned MPAs hailing from Swabi, Secretary Health Shahid Ullah Khan, and all concerned officials from the Health Department and respective hospitals.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the provision of recurring grant to concerned institutions to ensure smooth operational management and uninterrupted healthcare services to the public.
The forum deliberated upon the release of funds for construction of purpose-built buildings for GKMC-MTI Swabi and Gajju Khan College of Dentistry. It was highlighted that the approved allocation in ADP 2025-26 is insufficient for timely completion of projects, and the matter of enhancement in approved cost has already been taken up with the relevant authorities to avoid delays.
The meeting also discussed the release of funds for construction of Nigar College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at THQ Hospital-MTI Lahor. It was informed that the nursing college is currently functioning in a rented building through internal resources, while regulatory requirements necessitate establishment of allied institutions within the stipulated timeframe. The Minister directed that the matter be pursued on priority to ensure compliance with standards and provision of quality education facilities.
On IT infrastructure, the participants were briefed about progress made and correspondence with relevant authorities for grant-in-aid. The Minister emphasized strengthening digital infrastructure in line with KP MTI Policy Board guidelines to improve governance, data management and service delivery across institutions.
The issue of procurement of new capital equipment including CT Scan, X-Ray machines and other essential medical equipment was thoroughly reviewed. It was noted that most of the existing equipment has completed its useful life, resulting in rising maintenance costs and operational challenges. The Minister directed that necessary steps be taken for replacement of obsolete machinery and provision of a dedicated CT scanner for the Emergency Department to ensure uninterrupted diagnostic services.
The meeting further reviewed the proposed construction of a clinical tower at BKMC-MTI Swabi. It was informed that the architectural design requires refinement in accordance with modern hospital standards and infection prevention protocols. The Minister endorsed the proposal for hiring an experienced consultancy firm to prepare a comprehensive and standard-compliant design to meet future healthcare needs.
Progress on the establishment of a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory was also discussed. The revised PC-1 has been submitted to the competent forum after revenue clearance and is awaiting approval. The Minister directed expeditious follow-up to ensure early operationalization of the facility.
The revamping, repair and maintenance of allied THQ Hospitals at Topi and Lahor were also taken into consideration, with emphasis on improving infrastructure and patient care environment.
The meeting also reviewed the proposal for establishment of a Women and Children Hospital in District Swabi under Phase-I, for which substantial funds are required. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening maternal and child healthcare services and directed that all necessary formalities be completed to secure timely approval and funding.
The Provincial Minister reaffirmed that provision of quality, accessible and affordable healthcare to the people of Swabi remains a top priority of the Government. He directed all concerned departments to ensure close coordination, timely execution of development projects and transparent utilization of resources in the larger public interest.