Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday assured the Peoples Doctors Forum (PDF) of taking up their issues with the provincial government for resolving problems faced by the medical community.
He was talking to a delegation of the Peoples Doctors Forum, led by Dr Janbaz Afridi, which called on him at Governor House.
The delegation demanded establishment of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical College and Benazir Hospital in Peshawar along with provision of modern medical facilities in existing hospitals across the province.
Governor Kundi appreciated the forum’s proposals and suggestions, saying that the doors of Governor House were open for people and professionals to raise their issues.
The Governor said the provincial government had failed to establish new hospitals and nursing colleges according to the growing needs of the population. He stressed the need for learning from the good initiatives taken by other provinces.
He also highlighted the importance of establishing a Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT)-type healthcare facility in KP.
Governor Kundi said healthcare initiatives such as Al-Shifa Camp in Dera Ismail Khan were helping patients, while organisations including Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Sundas Foundation and Ittifaq Kidney Centre could play an important role in strengthening medical services in the province.
He said despite sacrifices and challenges, the people of KP deserved development, adding that resources allocated under the former FATA reforms, including Rs100 billion annually, should be effectively utilized for the welfare of the people.
The Governor said tourism and sports sectors also needed attention, adding that the launch of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Champions League (KCL) was aimed at engaging youth and promoting the positive image of the province.
He expressed concern over frustration among youth and said practical steps were required to provide them opportunities. Members of the People Doctors Forum thanked Governor Kundi for listening to their concerns.
The People Doctors Forum was joined by a number of doctors on the occasion from various healthcare institutions, who expressed their support for the forum’s objectives and proposals. The meeting concluded with the cutting of a cake to mark the birthday of PPP President Asif Ali Zardari.