The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced the launch of an air ambulance service and the declaration of Peshawar’s Hayatabad area as a healthcare city.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur chaired a meeting of the health department at the Chief Minister’s House, where these decisions were made, signalling a proactive approach towards improving healthcare infrastructure and accessibility.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Gandapur instructed relevant authorities to take steps to launch the air ambulance service within the next four months. Additionally, plans were also shared to establish an emergency motorbike response unit equipped with essential medical facilities, catering to densely populated areas of the province.
Furthermore, a health information and service delivery unit will be established to ensure the provision of quality treatment in government hospitals.
One of the key highlights of the healthcare reforms includes the introduction of an executive health check-up program for senior citizens aged 65 and above. Under this program, free check-ups will be available every three months in government hospitals.
The chief minister emphasized the importance of improving healthcare facilities at the grassroots level, directing authorities to provide ultrasound, operation theatre, and gynaecology services in primary health centres and rural health centres.
Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of ensuring the availability of all relevant staff, including doctors, at these healthcare facilities round the clock.
Gandapur also ordered the preparation of a new integrated health policy for the province within a month. This policy is expected to outline strategic objectives and action plans to address various healthcare challenges and improve service delivery across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
