K-P to unveil Rs21b health outlay

Express Tribune

2 days ago

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has proposed an allocation of over Rs21.31 billion for the health sector in the upcoming Annual Development Program (ADP) for the fiscal year 2025-26.
According to official documents, Rs16.66 billion has been earmarked for ongoing health projects, while Rs4.65 billion is proposed for new development schemes in the health sector.
For settled districts, Rs13.5 billion has been proposed, while Rs3.48 billion is allocated for health projects in the merged districts. Additionally, Rs4.67 billion is proposed under the Accelerated Implementation Program (AIP) aimed at fast-tracking healthcare improvements in underdeveloped areas.
Key initiatives likely to be included in the new budget are the enhancement of dialysis services in designated hospitals, upgrades to ICU, HDU, and emergency services, and the installation of centralized oxygen-generating plants in hospitals across the merged districts.
A new initiative for hemophilia patients is also planned, wherein 50 per cent of treatment costs will be covered by the government and the remaining 50 per cent by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). For the first time, a diabetes control program targeting young children is being introduced in the development budget.
Furthermore, a performance-based payment scheme for human resource hiring in the health sector has also been proposed.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government is set to present a Rs2,000 billion budget on Friday, with over Rs1,800 billion allocated for current expenditures. The budget will show a surplus of Rs180 billion and will not introduce any new taxes. However, the scope and rate of existing taxes will be expanded.
A total of Rs433 billion has been earmarked for development projects, including funds for the development of the newly merged tribal districts. The government will also announce the imposition of an "education emergency" in the new fiscal year. Under this initiative, furniture will be provided to 100 per cent of public schools.
To boost its own revenues, the province has set a 40 per cent higher target for provincial tax collection compared to the current fiscal year. The new budget includes the establishment of four additional cardiac centers in addition to the existing ones, as well as special funds for the merged districts.
Measures to support the province's vulnerable, marginalized, and low-income populations are also part of the budget. Funding has been allocated for key infrastructure and welfare projects including the Peshawar-DI Khan Motorway, a new electricity transmission line, the establishment of an insurance company, and the Chashma Right Bank Canal.
Safe City projects in Peshawar, Bannu, and DI Khan will receive financial support, and the education budget is being increased by 13 per cent. The monthly honorarium for artists will also be raised from Rs100,000 to Rs150,000.
A significant portion of the development budget will focus on completing ongoing projects. Priority will be given to projects that are 80 per cent or more complete, followed by those with 60 per cent completion. The number of new development projects has been capped at 500, with Rs195 billion to be immediately released, and up to Rs250 billion allocated as needed.
For the first time, a special committee will be formed to approve projects based on priority and necessity. The budget will continue to prioritize the education, health, and social welfare sectors. Additionally, the 13-year throw-forward period for the Annual Development Program (ADP) will be reduced to seven years. A safari park is also planned for Misri Banda in Nowshera as part of the new fiscal year's initiatives.