KP approves Health Policy 2026 to expand healthcare reforms and public safety measures

PESHAWAR, Jul 09 (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Policy 2026, aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services for every citizen, Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan said on Thursday.

In a statement issued to the media, the minister said the new policy seeks to establish a people-friendly healthcare system by introducing modern technology and strengthening the training of healthcare personnel.

He added that the government would further empower the Healthcare Commission to improve transparency and oversight in the health sector. He said a modern digital reporting and monitoring system would be introduced to evaluate the performance of healthcare institutions, while maternal and child healthcare services would also be expanded under the policy. Shafi Jan said the Sehat Card Plus programme would be extended to include outpatient department (OPD) services. He added that new intensive care units (ICUs), coronary care units (CCUs), trauma centres and burn centres would be established to strengthen secondary and specialised healthcare services across the province. The minister said underperforming public health facilities would be outsourced to improve service delivery. The policy also envisages the promotion of telemedicine and the introduction of geriatric medicine for senior citizens.

He said further reforms would be introduced in medical teaching institutions, while efforts would be made to address shortages of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. Ensuring the uninterrupted availability of medicines and vaccines would also remain a key priority. Shafi Jan said the policy incorporates disease surveillance, access to clean drinking water, sanitation and climate change-related health challenges. He added that taxes on health-harming products would be imposed, with the revenue earmarked for public wellness initiatives. The minister also announced that the provincial cabinet had approved amendments to the Motor Vehicles Ordinance and Rules, 1965, relating to the system of personalized vehicle registration numbers. He said the government had also approved the Occupational Safety and Health Rules 2026, which would ensure safer working environments across all institutions.

Under the new rules, companies would be required to provide protective equipment to employees and comply with workplace safety standards. Institutions employing more than 50 workers would appoint safety representatives, while those with over 100 employees would designate safety officers. Shafi Jan further said the cabinet had authorized the Wildlife Department to sign a memorandum of understanding with the International Crane Foundation to promote the conservation of crane species and their habitats. He added that the government had approved the expansion of the Safwat Ghayur Shaheed Memorial Hospital in Peshawar and sanctioned the transfer of land for the establishment of an Excise Police Station at the Jamrud Complex in Khyber district.