Minister, MSF discuss health projects in KP

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Health Syed Qasim Ali Shah met officials from the Médecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) at his office and discussed projects being supported by the organisation.

The meeting was attended by Director EPI Dr Arif, Director MNCH Dr Khizer Hayat, DHO Khyber Dr Zafar Ali Khan, Focal Person Health Department Dr Mohammad Nabi Jan Afridi, and other relevant officials.

During the meeting, MSF officials briefed the minister on their ongoing projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the establishment of two clinics for the treatment of leishmaniasis at City Hospital Peshawar and Badaber Hospital.

They also informed the minister about their work in Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital and Tira Valley, Khyber.The MSF officials discussed their plans to establish a leishmaniasis treatment centre at a hospital in Khyber district.

They informed the minister that a five-year project has been designed, which will be technically and financially supported by MSF. The project will also include the establishment of a paediatric health care centre and a blood bank.

The health minister directed the officials to initiate the project as soon as possible and complete the necessary paperwork to ensure the provision of facilities at the hospital. He also instructed Khyber DHO Dr Zafar Ali Khan to facilitate MSF in implementing the project and to establish strong links with the Health Department.

A handout issued here said the meeting was part of the minister efforts to strengthen collaboration with international organisations and improve healthcare facilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.