DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved funds for the Khyber Medical University Public Health Reference Laboratory (KMUPHRL) in the permanent budget, marking a significant milestone in the province’s public health sector. Established in 2015 with collaboration from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department, the National Institute of Health Islamabad, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Khyber Medical University (KMU), the laboratory has played a key role in enhancing disease diagnosis and surveillance systems.
Khyber Medical University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia-ul-Haq expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the Advisor on Health and Finance, Chief Secretary, Secretary Health, and Director General Health Services for their support in securing the funding. “We are deeply thankful to the Chief Minister and his cabinet for turning this vision into reality. This is a groundbreaking step in the field of public health,” he said. Dr. Zia-ul-Haq further emphasized the importance of preparing for potential future global pandemics, noting that COVID-19 may not be the last such challenge.
Dr. Zia-ul-Haq also highlighted the challenging working conditions for the PHRL staff, who have been working without pay for the past five months. He expressed confidence that the approval of the funds would boost staff morale, enabling them to continue their work with even greater professionalism.
The Vice Chancellor described the Public Health Reference Laboratory as a cornerstone of the health system, essential for the timely detection and prevention of diseases. He noted its crucial role in diagnosing and managing infectious diseases such as COVID-19, dengue, and emerging threats like M-pox, Congo fever, and cholera. The laboratory has completed over 1.9 million COVID-19 PCR tests since its inception and continues to be a leader in disease diagnosis.
The funding approval not only ensures the continuity of jobs for trained staff but also strengthens the province’s ability to conduct long-term disease surveillance and maintain preparedness for future public health emergencies. This support will also help Pakistan meet its commitments under the International Health Regulations (IHR).
This funding marks a new chapter for Khyber Medical University and the Public Health Reference Laboratory, reinforcing their ongoing mission to safeguard public health and enhance health infrastructure in the province.
