Peshawar: A high-level meeting on improving health facilities in South Waziristan was held at the Health Secretariat, Peshawar, chaired by Provincial Health Minister Khaliq ur Rehman.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Health, Deputy Chief Planning Officer (PandD), Regional Director South Dr. Kamran Zakaria, Managing Director Health Foundation Dr. Khizar Hayat, and District Health Officer Upper South Waziristan Dr. Tufail Sherani.
Discussions focused on challenges in the health sector and ongoing development projects. Special attention was given to Mola Khan Sarai Hospital, operating under a PPP model, which faced administrative and technical issues affecting services. Following efforts by MPA Muhammad Asif Khan Mehsud and the Health Department, recruitment advertisements for hospital staff have been issued. The Health Minister assured that formal approval will be granted in the upcoming cabinet meeting, after which the hospital will be operational within the month.
The meeting also reviewed the upgradation of Basic Health Units (BHUs), many of which were damaged due to past militancy and conflict. All BHUs in South Waziristan will be included in the rehabilitation scheme, with human resource shortages addressed.
Funding issues for Tank, Nara, and Makeen Hospitals, 70-80% complete, were discussed, with emphasis on the immediate release of remaining funds for timely completion.
A partnership model with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) was also discussed, under which more than half of the BHUs will be handed over to PRCS to ensure quality healthcare, following the model of BHU Baloch Kot. Shortages of infrastructure, medical equipment, and furniture will be addressed urgently.
The government also agreed to provide 4-5 new ambulances to expand Rescue 1122 emergency services in the district. The DHO Upper South Waziristan was directed to submit biweekly progress reports to ensure continuous monitoring.
The Provincial Health Minister assured the public that healthcare in South Waziristan is a top priority and that all issues will be resolved promptly, as the government is committed to safeguarding the fundamental right to health.