Recently, Pakistan and ADB (Asian Development Bank) signed a financing agreement worth US$100 million for ‘Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Systems Strengthening Program.
An agreement was inked by Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Dr. Kazim Niaz and Country Director, Pakistan Resident Mission, Yong Ye A. Moreover, the program agreement was also signed between the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and ADB for the implementation of the Program in the province.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Minister for Economic, Political Affairs and Law and Justice, as per the statement issued by the ministry.
Furthermore according to the details, in order to improve the delivery of heath services on the basis of results loan program at secondary hospitals by modernizing infrastructure and equipment; ensuring clinical protocols, standards, and guidelines are implemented; and improving human resources planning and medicine supply chain management.
The main objective of the program is to transform Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Secondary Healthcare (SHC) System by updating infrastructure of 33 existing SHC facilities; providing quality equipment and ensuring posting and availability of medical, technical, and administrative staff.
Ensuring efficient outsourcing of certain services to the private sector; introducing and enhancing health management information systems including electronic medical records; and introducing quality assurance regimes.
The initiative would be beneficial for an estimated 38 million of people which includes women in need of maternal health care services while reducing infant and maternal mortality rates.
