- By: Asif Qureshi, Chairman E-Hujra
It began with a simple scroll through social media: a headline announcing the establishment of Pakistan’s first “Health City” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The news filled me with joy. Without delay, I reached out to the Provincial Secretary of Health, Mr. Shahidullah Khan, to confirm the details. His response was immediate and encouraging.
According to Mr. Khan, under the directives of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the Provincial Health Ministry has finalized plans to build a Health City — a medical city designed to bring advanced healthcare directly to the people’s doorsteps. This ambitious project will not only provide emergency and routine medical services but will also house transplant facilities for the heart, liver, kidney, spine, and more. A helipad for airlifting patients from remote areas, fueling stations, and hotels are also part of the blueprint. The project, estimated to cost billions, has already been included in the upcoming provincial budget.
Isn’t this historic? For the first time, Pakistan is envisioning a comprehensive medical city that could redefine healthcare delivery nationwide. If completed, it will stand as a landmark achievement for Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, often criticized for governance shortcomings, and for Mr. Shahidullah Khan, whose leadership is steering this initiative.
- Health Policy in Transition
The Health City project builds on the momentum of the provincial health card scheme, which has already transformed public trust in government hospitals. Patients across Peshawar and even in rural districts now receive free medicines, emergency care, surgeries, and diagnostic tests.
A digital monitoring portal within the Health Ministry ensures transparency in medicine supply, curbing pilferage and waste. Plans are also underway to double the number of Infectious Diseases Unit (IDU) beds from 500 to 1,000, while maternal and child health facilities have seen marked improvements, reducing mortality rates that were once alarmingly high.
- Strengthening Human Resources
Healthcare delivery is not just about infrastructure; it requires skilled professionals. In recent months, 432 new consultant doctors have been recruited, alongside 1,425 medical officers, 250 dentists, and 764 nurses. These appointments, extending to remote areas, signal a commitment to equitable healthcare access.
- A Ministry That Delivers
Despite frequent accusations of corruption and inefficiency against the provincial government, the Health Ministry stands out as a department that has delivered tangible results. Its round?the?clock efforts have not only improved healthcare outcomes but also enhanced the government’s credibility. For Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, this project could become a defining legacy — a testament to service and vision.
- Conclusion
The proposed Health City in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is more than a development project; it is a symbol of hope. It reflects a shift toward modern, accessible, and accountable healthcare. If realized, it will echo across Pakistan as a model of how visionary leadership and dedicated administration can transform lives.