Latest news with #AnnualDevelopmentPlan
Arab Times
28-07-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait's health system: A pioneering journey and vision for the future
KUWAIT CITY, July 28: Kuwait's healthcare system continues to serve as a pioneering model in the Arab region, reflecting an ambitious vision that extends far beyond numbers and statistics. The country's development in health services is rooted in strong infrastructure, forward-looking policies, and strategic planning guided by its political leadership, which has consistently placed public health at the forefront of national priorities. From establishing cutting-edge medical facilities to enhancing human capital and international cooperation, Kuwait's health sector is steadily evolving to meet global standards. This transformation is anchored in the goals of the New Kuwait 2035 vision, which identifies healthcare as a key pillar in achieving a better quality of life for current and future generations. The Annual Development Plan for 2024/2025 includes 20 strategic projects dedicated to improving health outcomes, with participation from multiple government bodies. The plan allocates approximately KWD 140 million to these efforts, which encompass policies to improve youth health, bolster community well-being, modernize health information systems, and build the capacity of healthcare professionals. Of the 20 projects, 13 are in the implementation phase, three are in the preparatory phase, two have reached the delivery stage, and two have been completed. Additionally, the plan targets healthcare system reform, enhanced insurance services, sustainable financing, and the eradication of health illiteracy. The Ministry of Health, under its ambitious national strategy, continues to focus on upgrading infrastructure, raising the quality of care, and training local healthcare professionals. Speaking to KUNA, Eng. Ibrahim Al-Naham, Assistant Undersecretary for Engineering and Projects Affairs at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the ministry is committed to executing development projects in accordance with international standards. One of the latest achievements is the new maternity hospital in the Al-Sabah Specialized Medical District, inaugurated in April. Designed with energy-efficient, green building specifications, the hospital provides comprehensive gynecological, obstetric, and neonatal care using the latest technologies. Staffed by qualified national professionals, the facility represents a blend of modern medical practice and compassionate care. Eng. Al-Naham also highlighted four major healthcare projects underway: New Al-Sabah Hospital: Located on 88,710 square meters with a total construction area of 280,636 square meters, the hospital will house 512 beds—including 105 intensive care beds—and 72 outpatient clinics. The facility includes three towers, a helipad, and a parking and engineering services building.n Infectious Diseases Hospital: Spanning 46,523 square meters in the Al-Sabah Medical District, this hospital will include 224 beds, eight intensive care beds, emergency departments, radiology, a pharmacy, and medical records units.n Kuwait Cancer Control Center: Being built on 226,525 square meters, the center will feature 618 beds and advanced automated operating systems.n New Al-Adan Hospital: Designed as a multi-building complex, it includes seven interconnected buildings linked through underground tunnels. Facilities include a Maternity and Children's Hospital, Surgery and Central Services Building, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Building, the Ahmadi Health District Administration, and ample parking areas.n In parallel with infrastructure development, Kuwait continues to build strategic health partnerships both locally and globally. Numerous memoranda of understanding (MoUs) have been signed with local government entities to support the National Healthy Cities Strategy, which aims to promote healthy living and convert strategic plans into actionable community programs. On the international front, Kuwait has hosted several meetings with ambassadors and representatives from European Union countries, aiming to learn from advanced European healthcare systems. These meetings have opened new avenues for knowledge exchange, medical training, and scientific research collaborations. In a significant step forward, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi signed MoUs with five of the most prominent medical institutions in Paris this July, aimed at strengthening bilateral medical cooperation. These agreements mark a qualitative leap in Kuwait's approach to enhancing healthcare through training and knowledge sharing with world-renowned institutions. Kuwait's long-standing cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to yield valuable initiatives. The opening of the WHO office in Kuwait four years ago solidified over 60 years of collaboration and underscored Kuwait's global health engagement. Launched nearly a decade ago, Kuwait's Healthy Cities Initiative supports the country's sustainable development goals. To date, 18 Kuwaiti cities have been registered in the program, with seven officially accredited by the Regional Network of Healthy Cities. Cities under the initiative have shown measurable improvement in over 80 indicators, covering health, environment, social inclusion, and community participation. The WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office has repeatedly commended Kuwait for its leadership in fostering urban environments that are health-promoting, sustainable, and resilient. At the heart of Kuwait's healthcare vision lies its dedication to developing national medical talent. The government continues to sponsor students to study medicine and pharmacy abroad while also entering agreements with international and local institutions to enhance domestic healthcare education and training. This investment in human capital has already paid dividends. Recently, nine advanced remote robotic surgeries were successfully performed in Kuwait, highlighting the technical proficiency of national medical professionals and the readiness of the local health system to embrace cutting-edge treatment methods. Thanks to the steady expansion of hospitals, the introduction of advanced medical protocols, and the training of specialized staff, Kuwait has significantly reduced the number of patients referred for treatment abroad. The healthcare system now boasts a broader range of services capable of meeting complex medical needs locally. Kuwait's efficient and decisive response to the COVID-19 pandemic remains a standout achievement. The country was among the first to control the outbreak, implement effective containment measures, and roll out one of the highest vaccination rates globally. The government also executed the largest evacuation operation in its history, facilitating the return of citizens from 58 countries on 185 flights. The WHO praised Kuwait's response as highly effective, citing its rapid policy implementation, immunization success, and valuable regional contributions to the pandemic response. Kuwait's healthcare journey began in 1904 with the construction of the country's first clinic. The first hospital followed in 1912, and the first private pharmacy was established in 1927. The Public Health Department was formed in 1936, leading to the opening of the first government clinic in 1939 and the issuance of the first regulatory health law in 1944. The inauguration of Amiri Hospital in 1949, attended by the late Emir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, marked a significant chapter in Kuwait's modern healthcare history. The pace of public hospital construction accelerated during the 1960s, setting the stage for the comprehensive system that exists today. More than a century later, Kuwait remains steadfast in its commitment to providing world-class healthcare. Through visionary planning, investment in infrastructure, development of human capital, and international collaboration, Kuwait is forging a resilient, innovative, and inclusive health system for generations to come.
Express Tribune
24-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Opposition rejects PPP's 'visionless' budget for city
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation City Council Opposition Leader Saifuddin Advocate has rejected the local government budget presented by the Pakistan People Party regime, dubbing it a "vision less" budget. The opposition leader expressed these views while sharing the JI's vision 2025-30 at his chamber during the pre-budget briefing to the media on Tuesday. He said that not even a single development scheme was presented in the city council for the past two years. This year 116 development schemes are being presented in the Annual Development Plan but unfortunately all of them were supposed to be carried out in the UCs run by either the PPP or it's partner the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. He added that the JI runs nine towns and 87 union councils but the PPP's mayor showed extreme biasness when it comes to development schemes. He suggested that at least Rs30 million should be allocated for development in each union council of the mega city. On the occasion, he floated an idea to take all stakeholders of the mega city onboard for the Karachi Development Plan-- a comprehensive strategy to develop the mega city.
Business Recorder
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Development projects across federal, provincial levels: NEC makes over Rs4 trillion FY26 allocation
ISLAMABAD: National Economic Council (NEC) on Wednesday approved the Annual Development Plan and the National Development Budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, allocating a total of Rs4.224 trillion for development projects across federal and provincial levels. The NEC meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, sanctioned Rs1 trillion for federal projects and Rs2.869 trillion for provincial development schemes. During the meeting, the officials presented revised economic indicators for fiscal year 2024-2025, forecasting annual spending of Rs3.483 trillion on the national development programme, with Rs1.1 trillion allocated to the federal government and Rs2.383 trillion to provinces. The council approved a Gross National Product (GNP) growth rate of 2.7 per cent for 2024-2025 and projected a 4.2 per cent increase for the next fiscal year. From July 2024 to April 2025, remittances rose by 30.9 per cent, and Pakistan's current account balance was positive for the first time, according to the briefing. The fiscal deficit narrowed to 2.6 per cent of GNP in 2024-2025, while the primary balance increased to 3 per cent of GNP. The policy rate was gradually reduced to 11 percent and loans to the private sector for development rose to Rs681 billion from July 2024 to May 2025. The GNP size for 2024-2025 is estimated at Rs114 trillion. The NEC also approved the macroeconomic framework and targets for 2025-2026 and directed ministries, provinces, and government agencies to collaborate with the Planning and Development Ministry to achieve the development plan's goals, prioritising health, education, infrastructure, water, and housing sectors. A report on the Central Development Working Party (CDWP)'s progress from April 2024 to March 2025 was presented, along with details of projects approved by CDWP and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) during that period. The council approved the 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029) and the Uraan Pakistan framework, noting their alignment. A third-party monitoring report on the Annual National Development Programme projects was reviewed, and future planning will incorporate its recommendations. Prime Minister Sharif congratulated participants on Pakistan's victory in the May 10 'Bunyanum Marsoos,' attributing the success to the Armed Forces' professionalism and bravery. He condemned India's recent hostile narrative, describing it as a threat to regional peace and security. 'The people of Pakistan are fully united against India for the protection of national integrity,' Sharif said, rejecting India's threats to Pakistan's water resources as unacceptable. He vowed to defend these resources following the 'Bunyanum Marsoos.' In a special meeting with the four provincial chief ministers, PM Sharif emphasised joint efforts between the federation and provinces to develop a strategy to protect water resources amid Indian aggression. The prime minister highlighted the role of recent federal-provincial cooperation in achieving economic stability and called attention to agriculture as key to boosting foreign exchange earnings and growth. Strategies are being developed to gradually increase agricultural production. The NEC, unanimously, approved its six-point agenda. PM Sharif thanked members for consensus on national matters, describing it as essential for Pakistan's future. The meeting included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah, and the four chief ministers – Maryam Nawaz (Punjab), Syed Murad Ali Shah (Sindh), Ali Amin Gandapur (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa), and Nawab Sarfraz Bugti (Balochistan). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
30-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Development budget for next fiscal to exceed Rs1tr
The federal government planned to allocate more that Rs1 trillion in the next year's budget for various development projects, including hundreds of billions of rupees for road infrastructure and water and power projects, and sizeable funds for the promotion of higher education. According to sources, a meeting of the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) has been convened on June 2 to finalise the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and the Annual Development Plan (ADP) for fiscal year 2025-26. The plans will be forwarded to the National Economic Council (NEC) — to be chaired by the prime minister — for their approval this week. After the NEC approval the development schemes will be made part of the federal budget 2025-26 due to be unveiled on June 10. The total outlay of the development budget is expected to be more than Rs1 trillion, according to the sources. Under the proposed PSDP, they said that Rs170 billion allocation has been proposed for road construction, Rs140 billion for water projects, and Rs105 billion for the Power Division.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
RDA scam sparks NAB probe
An alleged embezzlement scandal involving Rs1.94 billion in the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has raised serious questions about negligence and misconduct by top officials over the past nine years. According to sources, the scandal reportedly implicates former and current director generals and directors of administration and finance, all of whom had signatory authority over the RDA's financial affairs. The matter has now been transferred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) via the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment for further investigation. According to sources, over the last nine years, payments amounting to nearly Rs1.94 billion were made from RDA's bank accounts to fictitious companies posing as registered vendors. These transactions were conducted through Call Deposit Receipts (CDRs), with around 21 transactions linked to eight companies and thirteen individuals. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for financial dealings within the RDA were reportedly ignored, and the signatory authority granted to the director general and director admin & finance was misused. Meanwhile, the responsible authorities failed to monitor bank account activity or audit financial records held both in RDA offices and in the respective banks. Following the revelation, NAB has started collecting relevant documents from the RDA and corresponding banks. Letters have also been sent to the private banks involved, requesting transactional records. This has created a troubling situation for all individuals who held the roles of director general or director admin & finance during the past nine yearswhether in service or retired. Questions are being raised as to why they failed to oversee the issuance of CDRs, track their reference letters, and review how funds were funnelled to various companies and individuals. According to sources, investigations aim to identify the public officials, fake companies, and individuals involved in the scam, with the ultimate goal of recovering the embezzled public funds. Legal action is expected against those who received payments either as company representatives or in a personal capacity. On the other hand, the RDA has prepared a proposed Annual Development Plan (ADP) for the fiscal year 2025-26. The plan, which awaits final approval from the Punjab government, includes major infrastructure initiatives under the "Urban Development Package" and "City Development Package." The proposed projects consist of three underpasses, one flyover, a multi-storey parking plaza, and several road infrastructure schemes. Each development initiative has been recommended by the respective members of the national and provincial assemblies.
