Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi has declared a nursing emergency in the province. This move comes as hospitals face a severe shortage of trained nurses and medical staff. The chief minister ordered immediate recruitment to fill hundreds of vacant nursing positions in major health facilities.
During a high-level meeting with the health department, Afridi instructed officials to fast-track hiring through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA). He also asked the Nursing Council to clear 650 pending trained nursing posts without delay. He emphasized that quick hiring, strict oversight, and strong administration are essential for improving healthcare services in KP.
Focus on Doctors, Specialists, and Disease Control
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to speed up recruitment for doctors and specialists in provincial hospitals. He highlighted that merit and transparency should be maintained during the hiring process.
Afridi directed the health department to take proactive measures against major health threats such as:
- Polio
- Dengue
- Malaria
He called for strict enforcement of the Dengue Action Plan and other preventive measures to protect public health. Additionally, he ordered that procurement of medicines and medical equipment should start from January 1 to avoid future delays in supply.
Plans for New Hospitals and Strengthened Oversight
To cope with increasing pressure on hospitals, especially in Peshawar, Kohat, and Malakand, the chief minister instructed a review of proposals for new multi-bed hospitals. He also directed the Healthcare Commission to improve regulatory oversight and ensure quality healthcare delivery across the province.
The construction progress of the Khyber Institute of Child Health was reviewed, with instructions to expedite completion so the facility can start operations as soon as possible.
Updates on Development and Health Projects
Officials reported that 182 health-related projects are included in KP’s Annual Development Programme, with 76 nearing completion. Nine flagship projects are underway, including:
- A burns centre in Dera Ismail Khan
- New hospital laboratories
- Kohat Institute of Medical Sciences
- Reconstruction of Liaquat Memorial Teaching Hospital, Kohat
- Standardisation of DHQ Hospital Mardan
Additional progress is being made on 51 high-priority projects, such as:
- Upgrading Hayatabad Medical Complex’s emergency and ICU
- Establishing a nursing college in Upper Chitral
- Building a paraplegic centre in the merged districts
- Strengthening the EPI immunization programme
Addressing Healthcare Needs for a Growing Population
The Chief Minister emphasized that KP’s growing population requires swift and practical strategies to ensure high-quality healthcare throughout the province. He called for continuous monitoring, efficient resource allocation, and better hospital management to meet the rising demand for health services.
Afridi’s emergency declaration and recruitment drive signal a strong commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure, supporting medical staff, and protecting public health across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
