Ministers inspect health facilities in Swabi

PESHAWAR: Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah, Minister for Irrigation Aaqibullah, and former speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser conducted a surprise visit to ongoing health infrastructure projects in Swabi district.

Accompanied by Special Secretary Health Habibullah, Chief Planning Officer Qaiser Alam, DG Health Dr Shaukat Ali, Director Public Health Dr Arshad Roghani, and other officials, the ministers visited the under-construction Women and Children Hospital in Swabi.

Director General Health Services Dr Shaukat Ali provided a briefing, stating that the project’s total cost is estimated at Rs3.8 billion, with Rs236 million allocated for the current fiscal year.

The hospital, spanning 46 kanals of land, will accommodate 260 beds. Progress stands at 55%, and with adequate funding, the hospital is projected to be fully operational by June 2025, he said.

They also inspected the District Headquarters Hospital in Swabi, where they were greeted by Medical Superintendent Noor Alam.Alam updated the visiting delegation on the ongoing construction of a new hospital building, with the only pending task being the installation of elevators, which the ministers instructed to expedite. During the inspection, the ministers toured various departments of the new hospital. DG Health Dr. Shaukat Ali informed them that the hospital covers an area of six kanals, with a total cost of Rs946.46 million.

He said that currently, 86% of allocated funds had been utilised, and construction progress stood at 93%. The ministers instructed the hospital administration to be transferred to the new building by April 30, 2024.