PESHAWAR: Following a public outcry, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi here on Sunday ordered provision of free medicines to poor cancer patients.

A chairing a meeting at Chief Minister’s Secretariat to review and prioritise proposed initiatives for inclusion in Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2026-27, he also ordered authorities concerned to expand provision of free treatment to cancer patients across the province.

Earlier, lack of funds had hampered free treatment of cancer patients at three major medical teaching institutions of the province.

On April 17, Health Secretary Shahidullah Khan said that he was in contact with planning and development department for re-appropriation of funds to resume treatment of cancer patients.

Meeting reviews proposals for upcoming ADP

However, sources said that more than 1,000 poor patients already registered for cashless treatment were waiting for drugs at Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) and Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), Peshawar, and Ayub Teaching Hospital (ATH), Abbottabad.

A statement issued from Chief Minister’s Secretariat said that the Sunday’s meeting carried out a detailed review of new proposed schemes in health, agriculture, sports and youth affairs, and relief sectors.

“The chief minister directed that the previously completed project for provision of free medicines to underprivileged cancer patients should be reinstated and expanded across the province to ensure timely and cost-free treatment of deserving patients,” it said.

The statement said that during the meeting, Mr Afridi instructed authorities to ensure provision of required funds for early completion of Khyber Institute of Child Health project and formally approach federal government for providing pending finances.

The meeting held details discussion on establishment of Khan Institute of Organ Transplant in Peshawar, development of a health city and general hospital in Peshawar, construction of medical complexes in Malakand and Kohat, and establishment of breast cancer screening centres in five divisional headquarters.

It also deliberated on establishing oncology centre, burns and kidney centres in Mardan and a clinical tower in Swabi to enhance healthcare facilities at local level.

The meeting also emphasised the upgradation, revamping and provision of essential facilities to basic health units (BHUs), rural health centres (RHCs) and Category-D hospitals to ensure quality healthcare services at grassroots level.

Also, in view of the growing needs of urban populations, the chief minister directed formulation of comprehensive rainwater and floodwater harvesting projects in major cities to restore the water table, address water scarcity and maintain environmental balance.

The meeting reviewed proposals aligned with the objective of food self-sufficiency including formulation of a comprehensive, time-bound plan to enhance the production of wheat and other essential crops.

“Proposed priority interventions include mechanisation support for farmers, command area development of small dams, concessional financing for agriculture graduates and targeted scholarship programmes to strengthen sectoral capacity,” said the statement.

In the sports and youth affairs sector, the chief minister directed authorities concerned that dedicated and high-quality facilities should be provided for special children in major sports complexes.

Proposals for establishment of youth centres in various districts, playgrounds at tehsil level and sports complexes in Upper South Waziristan, Mohmand, Chitral, and Battagram were also presented at the meeting.

The chief minister ordered introduction of special schemes to ensure effective implementation of provincial youth policy. He said that the upcoming budget would prioritise the welfare of youth, as well as low- and middle-income segments of society.

In the relief sector, proposals were presented to further strengthen emergency services, including establishment of Rescue 1122 sub-stations in remaining tehsils, rescue key points in densely populated areas and a modern mobile command and control centre.

Members of provincial cabinet Khaliqueur Rehman and Aqibullah and relevant administrative secretaries attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026