Two mega health projects stalled in KP

Muhammad Irshad ullah

PESHAWAR: Two major health sector projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remain stalled despite receiving loans totaling Rs8.95 billion from international institutions.

The delay was revealed during the audit of foreign loans for the 2023-24 fiscal year, raising concerns about the provincial government’s financial planning and administrative inefficiencies.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Systems Strengthening Program (ADB)

A loan of Rs6.22 billion was secured from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in November 2022 for healthcare improvements. However, the project remains stalled due to the absence of a Project Management Unit (PMU), essential for managing the program’s execution.

National Health Support Program (World Bank)

A loan of Rs2.72 billion from the World Bank was secured for strengthening healthcare services. Like the ADB-funded program, it has not begun due to administrative delays.

These delays are especially concerning as KP faces significant healthcare challenges, including inadequate facilities and growing demand. The failure to utilize these loans effectively underscores the provincial government’s inability to manage large-scale health reforms, putting vital healthcare improvements at risk.

Experts blame the delays on poor planning and lack of accountability. The provincial government’s failure to establish the necessary administrative structures, such as PMUs, highlights systemic inefficiencies.

To address these issues, the KP government needs to take immediate steps to launch these stalled projects and ensure proper governance. Failing to act will jeopardize the province’s healthcare system and the intended benefits of these loans.