NWFP Minister for Health, Inayatullah has disclosed that developmental budget of the health sector will be enhanced by 40 percent in the next provincial budget.
This, he said while addressing as chief guest at the annual gathering of Dir Medical Students Welfare Society at the auditorium of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar on Sunday evening. Chief patron of the society, Professor, Mohibullah, co-patron, Dr Shamsul Haq and president, Ziaur Rahman included among those who spoke on the occasion.
Lauding the objectives set for the welfare activities of the society, the health minister said that the society was rendering noble services. He denoted the organisers of the body to utilise all their energies for providing assistance to the needy students and helping out patients by guiding them properly.
Referring to the developmental strategy of the present govt, the minister said that unprecedented increase had been made in the developmental budget of health already while, he added, it would be enhanced further by 40 percent.
"Allocations for emergency medicines will be increased to Rs 2,000 million in the coming budget" he maintained.
He went on to say that practical steps had been taken for the promotion of medical education in the province. "Saidu and Gomal medical colleges got recognition due to the hectic efforts of the present govt." he asserted. Similarly, he said that a project for the extension of more 500 beds in Saidu Teaching Hospital was also approved.
The minister elaborated that initiatives were being taken to bring reforms in the entire health sector. "Improvement of primary health was specially focused", he added. Moreover, he said that introduction of social insurance system in health was in offing to provide subsidised services to the poor.
Referring to provision of health facilities, the Minister for Health, Inayatullah said that 8 newly upgraded district headquarters hospitals of the province, including DHQ hospitals of Timergarah and Dir upper would start functioning this year.
He elaborated that work was in progress on establishment of 110-bed hospital in Chakdara while hospitals with the capacity of 110 beds each would be established in Samar bagh, wari and Barawal. The health minister, apart from announcing a donation of Rs 30,000 for the society also promised provision of books for the body.
He also assured assistance to the society in arranging free medical camp in Dir area.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Mohibullah asked the students to focus on acquisition of professional excellence and serve the people without any discrimination. Dr Shamsul Haq besides announcing Rs 5,000 for the society also declared award of two scholarships to the talented students of the area each year.
President of the Dir Medical Students Welfare Society , Ziaur Rehman, highlighted objectives of the society, which included assistance of the students, help to the patients and creation of health awareness.