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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- 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.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Rain fury devastates K-P
Listen to article Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) bore the brunt of the intensifying monsoon system, as relentless rains, flash floods and landslides triggered a series of deadly incidents across the province over the past 48 hours. The powerful monsoon system has been wreaking havoc across Pakistan over the past 48 hours, leaving at least 42 people dead and dozens more injured as torrential rains, windstorms, flash floods and landslides devastated multiple regions. At least 19 people have died in rain-related accidents in K-P as the casualties rose on Saturday, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), with more deaths confirmed from the tragic drowning incident in the Swat River involving tourists. Casualty figures remain fluid as rescue operations continue and additional bodies are recovered. In its preliminary report, PDMA said that among the 19 fatalities in K-P were six men, five women and eight children, while six others, three men and three women, were injured. A total of 56 homes were reported damaged, six of them completely destroyed. The worst-hit district was Swat, which accounted for 13 of the deaths and all injuries. The Swat River disaster, which occurred during a flash flood, claimed the lives of at least 11 tourists, with search operations ongoing for more victims. Officials confirmed that 58 of 85 stranded individuals were rescued. The government has since suspended several local officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Swat, Shehzad Mehboob, amid mounting public outrage and demands for accountability. Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah visited Swat's Mingora Bypass area on Saturday to oversee the ongoing rescue operations. He announced a compensation of Rs1.5 million for each victim's family and vowed strict action against those found negligent, stating that a formal inquiry was underway. "An investigation committee is already in Swat," he said. "Those responsible for administrative lapses will be punished." Shah also revealed that all mining and excavation along the Swat River had been banned, and an anti-encroachment drive would begin on the riverbanks starting today. SOPs for tourists have been issued, and emergency responders are being equipped with drones, life jackets and modern rescue tools. Meanwhile, in District Swabi, authorities rescued four individuals, including a 60-year-old woman, trapped by a flash flood in Adina Khwar. Section 144 was imposed to ban swimming in rivers, canals and stormwater channels amid multiple recent drownings in the Indus and Pehur canals. In Punjab, the PDMA reported 12 deaths and 39 injuries from 25 separate incidents, mostly involving collapsed walls and roofs caused by persistent rain and wind from June 25 to June 27. A total of 28 structural collapse incidents were recorded. Fatalities were reported from Bahawalnagar, Faisalabad and Khanewal. Director General PDMA Punjab Irfan Ali Kathia has directed authorities to provide the best medical care to the injured and financial compensation to the families of the deceased, as per the chief minister's instructions. He also advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during extreme weather and not to remain in structurally unsound houses. "Keep children away from open drains, power lines, and electric poles," he urged. The monsoon spell is expected to last until July 1, with the PDMA helpline 1129 open for emergencies. At the federal level, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a countrywide alert for the next 24 to 48 hours. According to NDMA, there is an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in Budswat, Hinarche, Darkot and Ishkoman, where accelerated glacier melt has heightened flood risk. In Azad Kashmir, areas such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh and Kotli face threats of urban flooding and landslides. Severe weather and high winds are also forecast for Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Bannu, Karak and Waziristan. Heavy downpours may hit Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Kasur and Mandi Bahauddin, possibly leading to urban flooding and power disruptions. Warnings also extend to Sindh and Balochistan, where districts such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Quetta, Khuzdar and Zhob are likely to be affected. The NDMA has urged all provincial and local authorities to take preemptive action and keep the public informed via the NDMA Disaster Alert App. As grief and outrage grew, local residents, civil society organisations, lawyers, and political parties in Swat staged protests, demanding accountability for negligence that led to the tourist drownings. Protesters called for immediate legal action against those responsible and demanded resignations from the chief minister and his team. At the conclusion of the high-level meeting in Swat, a collective prayer was held for the deceased, and fresh orders were issued to expedite the search for the three people still missing. Meanwhile, monsoon-induced flash floods have led to tragic incidents in Balochistan, particularly affecting the districts of Zhob and Harnai. In the scenic area of Saliaza, located around 13 kilometres east of Zhob city, four members of the same family lost their lives after being swept away by a sudden flood while on a picnic. The victims, including a woman, two young girls, and a child, were visiting from Multan. Rescue teams, including the Levies Force and local volunteers, promptly responded, recovering all the bodies and transferring them to the Trauma Centre in Zhob. Meanwhile, in the Khost area of Harnai, three individuals became stranded due to rapidly rising water levels in a local stream. Acting on instructions from Deputy Commissioner Harnai Hazrat Wali Kakar, the Levies Force conducted a successful rescue operation, safely retrieving all three men, identified as Hazrat Syed, Zeeshan and Rehan. Following the incidents, the Deputy Commissioner praised the swift response of the Levies and urged the public to exercise caution during the monsoon season, particularly around rivers and streams. He also encouraged citizens to report any emergencies directly to the DC Office of Control Room to ensure immediate action by authorities.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Swat Flash Flood: K-P chief secretary announces compensation for victim's families
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah visited Swat to oversee the ongoing rescue operations following the tragic flash flood in the Swat River. The flood, which occurred near the Mingora Bypass, resulted in multiple casualties and left many trapped in the rising waters. During the visit, the chief secretary announced a compensation of Rs1.5 million per victim for the families of the deceased. He confirmed that 58 out of the 85 individuals stranded in the river had been successfully rescued, while search operations are still underway to find others. So far, 11 bodies have been recovered. Read: 19 swept away as Swat River surges dangerously after heavy rains Shahab Ali Shah also stated that several officials were suspended for negligence, including the district officer of Rescue 1122. He stressed that an inquiry committee would investigate the incident and hold accountable those responsible for the failure in response. The Chief Secretary explained that adverse weather conditions and time constraints had prevented the timely arrival of helicopters during the initial stages of the rescue effort. However, he confirmed that the government was taking decisive action, including a ban on all forms of excavation in the Swat River and a crackdown on illegal encroachments. To prevent future tragedies, Shahab Ali Shah announced that comprehensive SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) had been issued for tourists visiting the region. He expressed condolences on behalf of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, reaffirming its commitment to support the bereaved families during this difficult time.
Express Tribune
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
K-P govt reviews monsoon preparedness
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting to review the province's preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season and to strategize precautionary measures against potential flooding and rain-related damages. The meeting was attended by administrative secretaries, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and other relevant officials. Commissioners from various districts participated via video link. A detailed review was conducted of areas identified as vulnerable to flooding. The meeting was informed that a comprehensive Monsoon Contingency Plan has been formulated, drawing lessons from the 2022 floods. Chief Secretary Shah emphasized the need for ongoing action against illegal constructions and encroachments near rivers and water channels. He assured that necessary funds for flood mitigation measures were being secured. In his briefing, the DG PDMA said that Rescue 1122 has been equipped with 50 de-watering pumps in flood-prone urban districts including DI Khan, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Malakand (Batkhela), Swat (Mingora), Mansehra, and Abbottabad. Additionally, a de-watering unit is being established in Peshawar. The meeting also reviewed the availability of resources required by PDMA to tackle potential emergency situations.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
K-P misses 1m school enrolment target
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Education Department is struggling to meet its enrollment targets for government schools, leading to an extension of the ongoing school admission campaign until May 31. According to official sources, the department has fallen short of the provincial target set by the Minister for Education, which aimed to enroll one million children during the campaign. In response, the Director of Education has issued formal instructions to all male and female District Education Officers across the province, urging them to intensify efforts to meet the revised deadline. Officials emphasize that the extension is intended to maximize student enrollment and bring as many out-of-school children as possible into the formal education system. It may be recalled that in April, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, chaired a high-level review meeting regarding the ongoing School Enrollment Campaign 2025. A detailed presentation was given on the issue of out-of-school children and the strategies being implemented to bring them into the education system. The meeting was informed that approximately 4.9 million children remain out of school across the province, while 9 million are currently enrolled in educational institutions. Special Secretary Education briefed the participants that District Education Officers (DEOs) are specifically targeting clusters with high concentrations of unenrolled children. Emphasizing the importance of community participation, the forum was apprised that a comprehensive door-to-door enrollment drive is underway, involving schoolteachers and local influencers. Additionally, elected representatives of local bodies, youth volunteers, community elders, and religious leaders are being mobilized to support the campaign at the grassroots level.
