PESHAWAR: KP Minister for Health, Khaleeq ur Rehman has said that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has placed the health sector among its top priorities and has undertaken significant reforms and investments over the past years.
He said that the health budget has increased from Rs. 30.3 billion in 2013 to approximately Rs 275 billion, while Rs. 274 billion has been allocated for the current fiscal year, reflecting the government’s strong commitment.
Addressing a press briefing, the Provincial Minister highlighted that over 22,000 new positions have been created in the health sector, and the number of Medical Officers has increased from 2,520 to 6,531.
He further stated that key institutions such as the MTI Act framework, Health Care Commission, and Health Foundation have been established, along with the introduction of an effective monitoring system through the Independent Monitoring Unit, which has significantly improved service delivery.
He termed the Sehat Card Plus as the flagship programme of the government, stating that 100percent of the province’s population is now covered under the initiative.
From January to November 2025, more than 1.085 million patients were treated at a cost of Rs. 31.6 billion, with 64percent of patients receiving treatment in public sector hospitals. He added that expensive and complex procedures, including liver, kidney treatments, and cochlear implants, are also being provided under the program.
The minister stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has achieved significant improvement in the Universal Health Coverage Index, which has reached 53.5, with an additional 4.9percent increase recorded in 2024—the highest in the country.
He further said that efforts are underway to strengthen primary healthcare services, including the conversion of 200 BHUs and 50 RHCs into BEmONC centers to ensure the provision of maternal and emergency services at the local level.
Additionally, rehabilitation of 89 flood-affected health facilities is in progress, while vaccination coverage has reached 80percent. Drug testing laboratories have been established in Swat and D.I. Khan, and a medicine ordering portal has also been introduced.
The Provincial Minister added that work is ongoing across the province on hospital upgradation, completion of new projects, and provision of modern medical facilities. Trauma centers, pediatric hospitals, MRI, CT scan, and Cath Lab facilities are being provided, while neurosurgery and mental health services are also being expanded.
He stated that to strengthen human resources, 432 doctors and specialists have been recruited so far, while further recruitment is underway, including Medical Officers, dental surgeons, and nurses.
The minister said that to promote good governance, work is ongoing on 48 priority initiatives, under which 141 sub-initiatives have already been completed. Necessary legal amendments and policy reforms are also being introduced to make the system more efficient.
He emphasized that digitalization is being advanced to enhance transparency and performance, with over 91,000 employees’ records digitized. Modern systems such as e-filing, biometric attendance, geo-tagging, and online supply chain management have been implemented, while the establishment of HISDU is promoting data-driven decision-making.
He further stated that to improve service delivery, 91 health facilities have been identified, out of which 19 hospitals have been outsourced in the initial phase to ensure better healthcare services in remote areas.
In conclusion, Provincial Minister for Health Khaleeq ur Rehman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further strengthening Universal Health Coverage, enhancing primary healthcare systems, and ensuring timely provision of quality healthcare services at the doorstep of every citizen. He stated that the government remains dedicated to establishing a transparent, efficient, and sustainable health system.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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