KP govt to solarise 195 health facilities, says CM aide

By Bureau report

November 20, 2024

Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Health Ihtisham Ali speaks in a meeting on November 19, 2024. — Screengrab via Facebook@HealthKPGovt

PESHAWAR: In a major initiative to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Health Department has announced plans to solarize 195 health facilities in four districts under the Human Capital Investment Project (HCIP).

The announcement was made at a briefing to the Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Health Ihtisham Ali by Project Director Dr Ikramullah.

Health Advisor Ihtisham Ali directed the team to expedite the project’s implementation, emphasising its significance for improving healthcare services in the province. “This initiative is pivotal for enhancing our healthcare system and ensuring better health outcomes for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he added.

Project Director Dr Ikramullah in his briefing said that Initially focusing on Peshawar, Nowshera, Swabi, and Haripur, the project has been expanded to include 16 districts, particularly targeting the restoration and revitalization of flood-affected healthcare facilities. Originally conceived three and a half years ago, he said, this programme was a key component in improving primary healthcare across the province.

The total budget for the project stands at $85 million, comprising 42 percent grant funding and 58 percent loan financing, of which $12 million has been utilised so far. The project aims to upgrade 195 health facilities, including 151 Basic Health Units (BHUs), 25 Rural Health Centers (RHCs), 13 Category-D hospitals, and 6 Category-C hospitals.

Dr Ikramullah highlighted the development of KP’s first referral mechanism under the project, with a strong emphasis on maternal and child health. Vaccination of 14,000 defaulter children has been made Under this project across four districts.

He added that budget allocations include $63 million for improving basic health services, $3 million for capacity building and addressing staff shortages, $7.037 million for enhancing governance and management, and $10 million for the restoration of 158 flood-damaged health facilities.