FAZALHAQ
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Provincial Health Advisor, Advocate Ehtesham Khan, has said that the founding leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, always prioritized health and education in his vision for Pakistan.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the “Zhwandoon Card” program at THQ Hospital Takht Bhai, the advisor stated that Mardan has been selected as the pilot district for the initiative, which provides free medical treatment and medicines to the underprivileged in OPD. He added that four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Mardan, Kohat, Malakand and Chitral have been selected in the first phase, and the program will gradually expand throughout the province.
He emphasized that strict action will be taken against staff showing negligence in the delivery of healthcare services, reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy.
The Health Advisor also announced that the satellite units of Peshawar Institute of Cardiology will be extended to Mardan and D.I. Khan, enabling access to advanced cardiac surgery facilities. Additionally, a Cath Lab has been established at Mardan Medical Complex to provide modern cardiac care. Dr. Masooma Zaidi from KfW, a German development bank supporting the project, and DHO Mardan Dr. Shoaib also spoke. Other notable attendees included MS DHQ Mardan Dr. Javed Iqbal, MS THQ Takht Bhai Dr. Imran Johar, Riaz Tanoli, and various health officials.
Ehtesham Khan said that the government is now working towards the digitalization of the healthcare system, and thanked KfW Bank for its financial and technical support in launching the Zhwandoon Card project. He expressed hope that KfW would continue to support Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s healthcare initiatives.
He highlighted that the provincial government allocated Rs. 34 billion for the health card last year, which has been increased to Rs. 41 billion this year, reflecting progress and commitment to improving healthcare services. He also praised the Chief Minister for approving all proposed projects in the Annual Development Program (ADP) without any cuts.
The advisor informed that liver and kidney transplants were now covered under the health card program, which marks a major leap in public healthcare.
Criticizing the former caretaker government, he alleged that the efforts made during PTI tenure for improvement of health services were undone by the caretakers, and accused interim ministers of misusing public funds. He assured that investigations into the misuse of public resources are underway and those responsible will be brought to justice.
He urged the public to point out weaknesses in the system so the government can rectify them in time. Concluding his speech, he said that Imran Khan is the leader of the Muslim world, and if released, he will become a powerful voice for the entire Muslim Ummah.
At the end of the ceremony, Zhwandoon Cards were distributed among deserving beneficiaries to formally launch the program.
