Mardan Medical Complex undergoing significant changes

PESHAWAR: Mardan Medical Complex (MMC), a vital healthcare institution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, offering health services to four districts, is undergoing significant changes under the leadership of the newly appointed Board of Governors (BOG) at Medical Teaching Institution (MTI) Mardan.

Spearheading this transformation is Professor Dr Arshad Javaid, the chairman of BoG, who has previously served in administrative roles such as Vice-Chancellor of Khyber Medical University, Chief Executive of Lady Reading Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex, and Dean of PGMI Peshawar.

His leadership marks the beginning of a new era focused on transparency, meritocracy, and patient-centered policies.Upon taking charge, the BoG inherited a legacy of stagnation, where institutional power had been concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. One

such figure was the hospital director, who had held the position for over eight years with little to no reforms introduced during his tenure.

Another key individual was an official who had amassed undue authority, using his position to secure promotions and privileges outside regulations. These entrenched power structures had created inefficiencies and a decline in service quality at MMC.

In a decisive move, the BoG, under Dr Arshad Javaid’s leadership, chose not to renew the hospital director’s contract, allowing for fresh leadership to take the reins. The influence of the secretary to BoG was also curbed, restoring a balance of power and accountability within the hospital. This shift laid the foundation for meaningful reforms aimed at improving patient care and hospital operations.

One of the BoG’s earliest achievements was the transparent, merit-based recruitment of key personnel. For the first time in MTI Mardan’s history, the selection of the hospital director and medical director was based on merit.

These new appointees have already begun implementing reforms that are improving patient care, streamlining staff efficiency, and fostering a more positive work environment.Despite facing opposition from individuals entrenched in the old system, these merit-based reforms are positioning MTI Mardan for sustainable improvement, free from the political interference that previously marred the institution’s progress.

The Institution-Based Practice (IBP) programme had previously struggled to attract patients, with numbers plateauing at around 14,000 per month by June. Under the new BoG, patient flow increased by more than 50 percent, reaching 21,000 by August.

Similarly, the number of surgeries performed under the IBP framework surged from 150-200 procedures monthly to over 1,200 in August.In response to the increased demand, a new ward dedicated to IBP patients was established.

Operating theatre hours were extended, and departmental schedules were reorganised to better distribute the workload. Consultants have also been encouraged to shift their private practices into the IBP framework, a move that not only improves patient access to healthcare but also significantly boosts the hospital’s revenue.

The Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at MMC had long been one of its most neglected areas, with outdated facilities and overburdened staff. Recognising this, the BoG prioritised revitalising the department by appointing three full-time A&E consultants.

A new in-department laboratory is also in development, which will enable faster diagnostics and reduce patient wait times. Plans for expanding the physical infrastructure of the A&E department are already underway, with the goal of enhancing its capacity to handle emergencies more effectively.

The laboratory at MTI Mardan had historically operated under a “share system,” where revenue was unfairly distributed among staff. This system fostered corruption and inefficiency, resulting in diminished service quality.

The new BoG eliminated this outdated practice, implementing a transparent financial model that has since generated Rs15 million monthly in revenue.Additionally, patients can now receive their test results via mobile phones, reducing congestion in the hospital and improving overall efficiency.

Chronic absenteeism had plagued MTI Mardan, despite the installation of a biometric attendance system that had never been enforced. The new BoG has taken a firm stance on this issue, ensuring that the biometric system is now rigorously applied to monitor staff attendance and punctuality. Recruitment for key positions such as Nursing Director and HR Director is also currently underway to further strengthen the hospital’s workforce.

Under the leadership of Dr Arshad Javaid, the BoG has initiated several development projects to expand hospital facilities and improve patient services. These projects include the establishment of a Cardiac Center, spanning 15,560 square feet at a cost of Rs160 million, and the extension of the Outpatient Department (OPD), which will cover 39,000 square feet with an estimated cost of Rs220 million.

Solar plants will be installed for both the Cardiac Center (200 kW, Rs30 million) and the OPD

extension (250 kW, Rs36 million). A new parking facility, accommodating up to 100 cars, is also in the works, along with the development of footpaths and internal roads, with an estimated cost of Rs50 million.

Plans for Phase III of the Specialty Block, which will add 600-700 beds at a cost of Rs4,500 million, are pending for approval. The Burn Centre and Khyber Institute of Neurosciences are also awaiting approval, while hostels for doctors and staff at both BKMC and MMC are being developed at an estimated cost of Rs700 million.

The hospital grounds are being cleared of wild growth and levelled for plantation and the development of green lawns. Additionally, illegal encroachments around the hospital canteen have been removed, and a show-cause notice has been issued to the contractor, with the possibility of terminating the contract.

The BoG has also placed a strong emphasis on academic excellence and research at BKMC, which is affiliated with MTI Mardan. Recently, BKMC hosted its first National Undergraduate Research Conference, marking a major milestone for aspiring doctors in the region.

In another significant achievement, the Journal of Bacha Khan Medical College (JBKMC) was formally recognized as a national research journal by the Higher Education Commission, reflecting the institution’s growing reputation in the field of medical research. Regular academic activities, such as Clinico-Pathological Conferences, symposia, workshops, and journal clubs, have now been fully integrated into the institution’s culture.

Despite the remarkable progress, the reforms at MTI Mardan have not been without their challenges. Certain individuals, resistant to change and tied to the old governance structures, have launched a smear campaign against the BoG, particularly targeting Dr Arshad Javaid, the hospital director, and the medical director.

These factions have also sought to influence local political figures, including Mardan’s newly appointed Health Advisor, Ikhtesham Ali, who has been a strong advocate for healthcare

improvements across the district.

As MTI Mardan continues on its path of reform, it remains critical for the government and political leadership to stay vigilant against these detractors, ensuring that the institution’s progress is not derailed by personal interests.