Peshawar - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Health, Khaliq-ur-Rehman, on Friday chaired a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and members of the Healthcare Commission to review the Commission’s performance, challenges, and future priorities. Secretary Health, Shahid Ullah, along with relevant health officials, was also present during the meeting.
Presentation and Discussion
During the session, the CEO of the Healthcare Commission delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the Commission’s achievements, ongoing regulatory activities, enforcement measures, and strategic objectives aimed at improving healthcare standards across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The presentation was followed by a detailed discussion on key operational, legal, and administrative challenges confronting the Commission.
The CEO informed the minister about several critical issues affecting the Commission’s effectiveness, including deficiencies in the existing legal framework, challenges related to the enforcement of healthcare quality standards, limited support mechanisms for regulatory compliance, and constraints in implementing penalties and legal actions against violators. Particular attention was drawn to issues concerning the sealing and illegal de-sealing of healthcare facilities, non-payment of fines, and the need for stronger legal provisions to ensure effective enforcement and accountability within the healthcare sector.
Review of Regulatory Efforts
The meeting also reviewed the Commission’s efforts to regulate healthcare establishments, ensure patient safety, improve service quality, and strengthen monitoring and inspection mechanisms across both public and private healthcare facilities. Various proposals regarding institutional strengthening, capacity building, human resource requirements, and financial sustainability were discussed in detail.
Minister’s Remarks
Speaking on the occasion, KP Health Minister Khaliq-ur-Rehman appreciated the Healthcare Commission’s role in promoting quality healthcare services and safeguarding patient rights throughout the province. He emphasized that an effective and well-resourced regulatory system is essential for ensuring safe, reliable, and high-quality healthcare services for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The minister reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to supporting the Healthcare Commission and assured the participants that all financial, administrative, and operational requirements of the Commission would be addressed on a priority basis. He directed the concerned authorities to work closely with the Commission and formulate practical recommendations for resolving the challenges highlighted during the meeting.
“The government is committed to strengthening healthcare governance, improving regulatory oversight, and ensuring that healthcare facilities adhere to the highest standards of quality and patient safety,” said the minister. “A strong and empowered Healthcare Commission is vital for building public confidence in the healthcare system and ensuring accountability across the sector.”
Future Reforms
He further said that the Health Department would continue to pursue reforms aimed at enhancing service delivery, strengthening institutional capacities, and creating an efficient healthcare system capable of meeting the growing needs of the population. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing coordination between the Health Department and the Healthcare Commission to achieve sustainable improvements in healthcare quality, regulation, and patient protection across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
