KOHAT, Dec 27: Provincial Health Minister Inayatullah Khan on Wednesday inaugurated the work for upgradation of the Bilitang basic health unit to the rural health centre. The project is estimated to cost Rs50 million.

The minister also ordered immediate appointment of a lady doctor to the health unit, which was an old demand of the area people.

After its upgradation, the health facility would have a total of three male doctors, increased from one currently, he said. It would be equipped with all necessary treatment facilities like x-ray, ultrasound, modern laboratory, ambulance service as well as surgical and dental wards, he added.

Mr Khan said the provincial government had increased the health budget from Rs30 million to Rs2.5 billion during the last four years and provided jobs to 70,000 people.

He said the government had planned hospitals with 500 and 300 beds in 22 districts of the province. The existing hospitals would also be modernised, he added.

The minister said modern eye treatment facilities would soon be provided in the hospitals of Hangu, Mardan, Shangla and Lower Dir.

He said currently 60 per cent of the health funds were being spent on healthcare facilities in districts.

MNA Mufti Ibrar Sultan and district president of Jamaat-i-Islami Pir Faheem also spoke on the occasion.

Former minister for jails Hidayatullah Khan Afridi, MPA Shaukat Habib and district coordination officer Shahab Ullah Shah also attended the function.