Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi has declared a nursing emergency in the province and ordered the immediate recruitment of hundreds of vacant nursing positions. This measure aims to strengthen healthcare service delivery across major hospitals and health facilities.
The announcement came during a high-level health department meeting, where the chief minister directed officials to fast-track hiring through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA). He also instructed the Nursing Council to clear 650 pending trained nursing positions immediately.
Swift Recruitment and Oversight Measures
Chief Minister Afridi emphasised that merit, transparency, and strict administrative oversight are essential for efficient hiring. He called for expedited recruitment not only for nurses but also for doctors and medical specialists. The move aims to address critical staffing shortages affecting provincial healthcare services.
Officials were also directed to ensure proactive disease control measures, focusing on polio, dengue, and malaria. Strict enforcement of the Dengue Action Plan was highlighted as a priority to protect public health.
Procurement and Medical Supply Plans
The chief minister instructed the health department to begin procurement of medicines and medical equipment starting January 1. This is intended to prevent delays in supply and ensure continuous healthcare services.
Infrastructure Development and New Hospitals
Plans for new multi-bed hospitals in Peshawar, Kohat, and Malakand were reviewed, aiming to reduce pressure on tertiary facilities in the provincial capital. The Chief Minister also directed the Healthcare Commission to strengthen regulatory oversight across hospitals and clinics.
Progress on the Khyber Institute of Child Health was discussed, with instructions to expedite construction for early operationalisation.
Updates on Development Projects
Officials reported that 182 projects are included in the current Annual Development Programme, with 76 nearing completion. Nine flagship initiatives are progressing, including:
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Burns centre in Dera Ismail Khan
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New hospital laboratories
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Kohat Institute of Medical Sciences
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Reconstruction of Liaquat Memorial Teaching Hospital, Kohat
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Standardisation of DHQ Hospital Mardan
Additionally, 51 high-priority projects are advancing, such as:
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Upgrades to emergency and ICU facilities at Hayatabad Medical Complex
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Establishment of a nursing college in Upper Chitral
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Building a paraplegic centre in the merged districts
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Strengthening of the EPI vaccination programme
Commitment to Quality Healthcare
Chief Minister Afridi highlighted that KP’s growing population requires swift and realistic strategies to ensure sustained healthcare quality. The nursing emergency and accelerated recruitment are part of a broader plan to improve healthcare delivery, infrastructure, and disease prevention throughout the province.
The government’s initiative is expected to benefit thousands of patients by filling staffing gaps, improving medical facilities, and enhancing regulatory oversight.
