K-P rolls out ambitious immunisation drive
The initiative, targeting 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, reflects a renewed government commitment to tackling public health challenges, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas.
The action plan was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Peshawar.
Addressing the gathering, the CM emphasized that the immunization drive goes beyond routine health programming and is a critical part of the provincial government's broader public health and governance agenda.
He stressed that the real challenge lies not in the formulation of the plan but in its effective implementation across all districts. "This is not just a plan on paperit is a pledge. The time for action is now, and the responsibility lies with every department, every official, and every frontline health worker," he said.
Underscoring the urgency of the mission, the chief minister pointed out that Rs8 billion have been earmarked in the current budget to support the immunization initiative. He also acknowledged the continued support of development partners, stating that their collaboration remains vital in overcoming operational hurdles and reaching every child, regardless of location. "Together, we will rid this province of polio and all vaccine-preventable diseases," he declared.
Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah shed light on the challenges the province faces, noting that K-P currently has the lowest immunization coverage in the country, with only 55 per cent of children fully immunized. He identified the southern districts as areas of concern due to both access and acceptance issues but insisted that improved institutional capacity, resources, and coordination mechanisms now provide a real opportunity for change.
According to a detailed presentation during the event, the IAP seeks to vaccinate approximately 1.42 million children under the age of two annually. It outlines an eight-point strategy focusing on outreach to underserved communities, especially those in security-compromised or geographically remote areas. One of the major reforms under the plan is a substantial increase in transportation funding, rising from Rs80 million to Rs448 million over three years, to ensure that field teams can access even the most distant communities.
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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
K-P rolls out ambitious immunisation drive
In a significant step towards improving child health outcomes, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has launched a province-wide Immunization Action Plan (IAP) aimed at achieving 90 per cent Full Immunization Coverage (FIC) for children by 2027. The initiative, targeting 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, reflects a renewed government commitment to tackling public health challenges, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas. The action plan was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Peshawar. Addressing the gathering, the CM emphasized that the immunization drive goes beyond routine health programming and is a critical part of the provincial government's broader public health and governance agenda. He stressed that the real challenge lies not in the formulation of the plan but in its effective implementation across all districts. "This is not just a plan on paperit is a pledge. The time for action is now, and the responsibility lies with every department, every official, and every frontline health worker," he said. Underscoring the urgency of the mission, the chief minister pointed out that Rs8 billion have been earmarked in the current budget to support the immunization initiative. He also acknowledged the continued support of development partners, stating that their collaboration remains vital in overcoming operational hurdles and reaching every child, regardless of location. "Together, we will rid this province of polio and all vaccine-preventable diseases," he declared. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah shed light on the challenges the province faces, noting that K-P currently has the lowest immunization coverage in the country, with only 55 per cent of children fully immunized. He identified the southern districts as areas of concern due to both access and acceptance issues but insisted that improved institutional capacity, resources, and coordination mechanisms now provide a real opportunity for change. According to a detailed presentation during the event, the IAP seeks to vaccinate approximately 1.42 million children under the age of two annually. It outlines an eight-point strategy focusing on outreach to underserved communities, especially those in security-compromised or geographically remote areas. One of the major reforms under the plan is a substantial increase in transportation funding, rising from Rs80 million to Rs448 million over three years, to ensure that field teams can access even the most distant communities.
Express Tribune
29-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Funding crisis threatens 19 K-P hospitals
There is growing concern over the possible closure of 19 outsourced hospitals in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's merged districts due to a suspension of funding. According to sources, the provincial health department was obligated to pay Rs1 billion to these hospitals. However, no funds have been disbursed over the past six months, and employees have not received their salaries during this period. Sources further revealed that the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Foundation had outsourced these 19 hospitals under a public-private partnership model, spanning 10 districts of the province. As per official records, eight hospitals were outsourced in 2020 for a three-year period, while an additional 11 were outsourced in 2022 for five years. When contacted, Managing Director of the K-P Health Foundation, Adnan Taj, stated that all pending payments will be cleared before July 15, following formal approval from the provincial cabinet. In March, Chief Secretary, Shahab Ali Shah, chaired a meeting of the Health Foundation to assess the outsourcing of hospitals in remote areas, aimed at improving healthcare services for underserved communities. The meeting reviewed the progress of outsourced hospitals, with 19 healthcare facilities outsourced in two phases to enhance medical services. The outsourced hospitals include Sari Mola Khan, Mamad Gat, Ghiljo, Dogar, Toi Khala, Darazinda, RHC Mastuj, RHC Garam Chashma, DHQ Wana, Cat-D Bazar Zaka Khel, Cat-D Pashat, Cat-D Nawagai, Cat-D Mamund, Cat-D Alizai, Cat-D Razmak, THQ Mir Ali, DHQ Dassu, Mishti Mela, and Sholam. The meeting also reviewed the cost-per-patient indicator and discussed challenges faced by some hospitals. Chief Secretary stressed the need for prompt resolution of issues in outsourced hospitals to ensure efficient public healthcare delivery. He directed that service providers be regularly assessed to identify areas for improvement. He reiterated that healthcare remains a priority sector for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, which is committed to enhancing medical services in remote areas through the Public-Private Partnership model. In January 2024, health department embarked on a significant initiative, deciding to outsource eight additional public sector hospitals in the remote regions of the province through public-private partnerships. This move was aimed at improving healthcare access and services in far-flung areas. Official sources told The Express Tribune that the caretaker provincial cabinet has given its approval for the outsourcing plan, paving the way for agreements to be signed with new companies. The selected hospitals, categorized as Category D, are situated in former FR DI Khan (Darazinda) and various parts of Chitral. Notably, seven of these hospitals are located in different mountainous regions of Chitral, including Dogar Hospital, Kheli Jo Hospital, Toi Khel Hospital, Darzara Hospital, Mashtuj, and Garam Chisma Hospital.
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10 health officials face dismissal over graft
An inquiry into alleged irregularities in the procurement of medicines during the caretaker government's tenure in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Health Department has been completed. Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has issued show-cause notices to 10 senior officials under the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Efficiency and Discipline Rules, 2011, accusing them of incompetence, mismanagement, and corruption. Each of the accused officials faces dismissal from service and recovery of over Rs170 million individually. According to the official notice, the investigation against these officials — including a former Director General of Health Services, an Additional Director General, a former Director of Public Health.
