PESHAWAR: The K-P free medicines districts plan took shape on Monday. The province’s health directorate outlined improved healthcare for 12 designated districts. In addition, it promised stronger monitoring of outsourced hospitals. As a result, residents should receive free diagnostic and medical services.
Dr Fazal Rahman has been nominated as director health. He currently directs the vector diseases and malaria control programme. His new charge covers eight tribal districts. In addition, it includes Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Tank. However, formal appointment notifications have yet to be issued.
43 hospitals under public-private management
Under the public-private partnership programme, 15 of the 19 already outsourced health facilities in merged districts will continue operating. Their continuation will depend on performance. Furthermore, another 28 hospitals are being outsourced. Consequently, the total covered by these arrangements reaches 43.
The Health Foundation facilitates the management of government-owned hospitals. It works through qualified private organisations to improve patient care. Indeed, the government keeps ownership of the hospitals. Meanwhile, private managers run day-to-day services under performance monitoring.
The KP free medicines promise for patients
Dr Fazal said immediate priorities include outpatient and emergency departments. In addition, he named hospital wards and diagnostic services. Furthermore, he promised the provision of free medicines. In fact, emergency departments have been flashpoints before. This includes therecent clash between doctors and attendants at Lahore’s Gulab Devi Hospital. Moreover, maternal and child healthcare will receive particular attention. This includes gynaecological services.
For families in the merged districts, the promise that matters most is practical. It means free medicines and diagnostics close to home. At present, many patients travel to Peshawar or other cities. They seek treatment that a functioning district hospital should provide. However, the journey costs money and time. In emergencies, it can even cost lives. As a result, Dr Fazal said promised funding would help. It would ensure medical supplies and specialised care. Consequently, patients’ need to travel to other cities would fall. In addition, local communities will help improve hospital services.
Power remains the weak link
Specifically, he identified unreliable electricity as a major obstacle. This is particularly true in merged districts. The proposed solarisation of hospitals aims to change that. It would keep operating theatres and laboratories functional. Moreover, other essential services would keep running when the grid fails. After all, medicines and doctors matter little if the lights go out mid-surgery.
The directorate has submitted three-month and six-month proposals. These cover immediate improvements. In addition, a six-year plan sets out longer-term measures. Health remains one of the province’s most closely watched sectors. For example, debates cover the proposed audit of theSehat Card Plus programme. They also includePIMS doctors’ demand for implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on their absorption. Municipal workers’protests over unpaid salarieshave added pressure too. Finally, patients will judge this plan by one test. They will check whether the medicines actually reach the shelves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the KP free medicines plan?
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s health directorate plans to improve healthcare in 12 districts. Specifically, it promises free medicines and free diagnostic services. In addition, it will strengthen monitoring of outsourced hospitals.
How many hospitals are being outsourced in K-P?
Fifteen of the 19 already outsourced facilities in merged districts will continue. Their continuation depends on performance. Moreover, 28 more hospitals are being outsourced. As a result, the total reaches 43.
Who will head health services in the tribal districts?
Dr Fazal Rahman has been nominated for the role. He currently directs the vector diseases and malaria control programme. His charge covers eight tribal districts. It also includes Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Tank. However, formal notifications are still pending.
What is the biggest obstacle to the plan?
Unreliable electricity in merged districts. Moreover, the directorate has proposed solarisation of hospitals. This would keep operating theatres, laboratories and essential services running.
