PESHAWAR: Pakistan Pediatric Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has warmly welcomed the release of Rs2.1b by the provincial government for early operationalisation of the Children’s Hospital attached to the Khyber Institute of Child Health (KICH), Peshawar.

The association expressed profound gratitude to the chief minister, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, health minister Khaliqur Rehman and secretary health Shahidullah Khan, for their visionary leadership, unwavering commitment and strong support for child health services in the province.

The timely release of the funds reflects the government’s recognition of the healthcare needs of children and its determination to strengthen specialised pediatric healthcare infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a press release said.

PPA stated that this generous financial allocation will enable the Board of Governors and the management of KICH to accelerate the operationalisation of the Children’s Hospital and ensure provision of high-quality, accessible and child-friendly healthcare services.

Once fully functional, the hospital is expected to become a centre of excellence for pediatric care, offering advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, emergency and specialised services to children from across the province and adjoining regions.

The association emphasised that investment in child health is an investment in the future of the nation.

The establishment and strengthening of dedicated pediatric healthcare facilities are essential for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality and improving the overall health and well-being of children.

It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Khyber Institute of Child Health and the Children’s Hospital through professional collaboration, capacity building, and advocacy for evidence-based child health policies.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2026