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PESHAWAR, Apr 09 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday expressed concern over the lack of basic medical facilities for the province’s population of over 40 million and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in this regard.
A Health Policy Conference was organized at the Governor House to mark World Health Day. The event was hosted by the Peoples Doctors Forum Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, graced the conference as the chief guest.
The conference saw participation from notable figures, including former Federal Minister Arbab Alamgir, President of Peoples Doctors Forum Dr Janbaz Afridi, Dr Fakhruddin, Dr Bahr Karam Yousafzai, Dr Sarfaraz Khan Afridi, Dr Zahir Shah, Dr Karim Khawaja, representatives from the Provincial Doctors Association and Young Doctors Association, along with medical experts from across Pakistan and abroad.
During the session, prayers were offered for the speedy recovery of President Asif Ali Zardari and for the elevation of ranks of the late Senator Taj Haider.
Speakers at the conference shared a range of recommendations aimed at improving the healthcare system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They highlighted the current challenges in the health sector, issues related to patient care, and proposed comprehensive policy reforms.
Addressing the audience, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed concern over the lack of basic medical facilities for the people of the province.
He appreciated Dr Janbaz Afridi and the medical professionals for organizing the event and emphasized that such conferences provide valuable opportunities to evaluate challenges and pave the way for reform in the health sector.
The Governor said that the provincial government has allocated Rs 232 billion for healthcare, yet problems such as inadequate hospital care, shortage of medicines, lack of doctors and hospital beds, and difficulties in availing the Insaf Health Card still persist.
He further pointed out that the situation in rural areas is worse, with diseases like childbirth complications, hepatitis, tuberculosis, heart disease, and diabetes claiming hundreds of lives annually.
Stressing the importance of healthcare infrastructure development, he said that international organizations recommend spending 5–10 percent of a country’s GDP on health, whereas Pakistan’s health spending has remained below 3 percent. He also lamented the trend of senior doctors leaving public institutions.
Governor Kundi emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among the government, institutions, medical experts, media, and the public to establish a modern, effective, and accessible healthcare system.
He assured full cooperation to all medical professionals and said that the doors of the Governor House are always open for them.
He added that the suggestions put forward by healthcare professionals, especially young doctors, would be presented to the federal government. Constructive criticism, he said, should be welcomed as a tool for improvement, and expertise-based governance could enhance performance across all sectors.
In conclusion, Dr Janbaz Afridi presented a commemorative shield to the Governor, who also distributed shields and certificates among the organizers and panelists. Governor Kundi expressed hope that the conference would help set a clear and promising direction for improving the healthcare system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.