PPHI employees upbeat as govt withdraws notification

PESHAWAR: The provincial government’s decision to withdraw the notification about the closure of People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) has sent a wave of happiness among the nearly 2000 employees of the government-funded programme.

The provincial Health Department had recently issued a notification to wind up the PPHI, which has been functioning in 17 districts of the province, and return the basic health units under it to the district health officers.

The decision had caused resentment among the employees of the programme, triggering province-wide protest. According to sources, PTI chief Imran Khan took the matter and formed a five-member committee to look into the issue. The committee in its report lauded the services of the programme for the well-being of general public at the grassroots level.

The PTI chief, the sources said, in a recent meeting with Chief Minister Pervez Khattak decided to withdraw the notification about the closure of PPHI. Directives were issued to the Health Department to withdraw the notification, which would soon submit a summary for the purpose to the chief minister, the sources said.

The employees working in the programme are happy with the provincial government’s decision. They were thankful to PTI chief Imran Khan and Chief Minister Pervez Khattak for not only protecting their jobs, but also the healthcare system at the local level.

The PPHI was introduced in 2006 when Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal was in power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. After its introduction at the basic health units, the health delivery system showed a marked improvement.

According to data collected from the districts where the programme is operational, more than 4.5 people were provided health services during 2015 only.  The Awami National Party and Pakistan People’s Party coalition government was also appreciative of the services
of the programme and they extended it throughout their five-year rule.