The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to restart a program that provides free medicines to financially disadvantaged cancer patients, with plans to expand the initiative across the entire province.
Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi issued the directive while presiding over a meeting on the Annual Development Program (ADP) for 2026–27, where major proposals related to health, agriculture, youth development, and infrastructure were reviewed in detail.
Health sector priorities
The chief minister instructed authorities to expedite completion of the Khyber Institute of Child Health and ordered immediate release of necessary funds. He also directed officials to coordinate with the federal government regarding pending financial support.
Key health-related proposals include the establishment of a “Health City” and a general hospital at the Khan Institute of Organ Transplant. Plans were also discussed to upgrade Basic Health Units (BHUs), Rural Health Centers (RHCs), and Category-D hospitals across the province. Additionally, an Oncology Center along with Burn and Kidney treatment facilities in Mardan and a Clinical Tower in Swabi are part of the proposed development agenda.
Agriculture and environment initiatives
To improve food security, the chief minister instructed the Agriculture Department to design a roadmap for self-sufficiency in wheat and essential crops. Other proposals include providing modern machinery to farmers, developing command areas for 22 small dams, offering interest-free loans to agriculture graduates, and introducing scholarships for students. He also emphasized groundwater recharge projects through rainwater and floodwater harvesting in major cities.
Youth and sports development
The government plans to establish youth centers in all districts and construct sports complexes in South Waziristan Upper, Mohmand, Chitral, and Battagram. Special sports facilities for children with disabilities are also included.
Emergency services expansion
Plans were also approved to expand Rescue 1122 by establishing sub-stations in remaining tehsils, setting up rescue points in crowded areas, and creating a mobile command and control center.
The chief minister stressed that the upcoming budget will prioritize youth, low-income families, and the middle class to ensure inclusive development and improved public services across the province.
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