PESHAWAR: Paediatricians are optimistic that the swift establishment of the Board of Governors for the Khyber Institute of Child Health (KICH) and the Children’s Hospital will finally make this long-awaited healthcare facility operational by February of next year.
Approved by the federal government in 2008, the Khyber Institute of Child Health and Children’s Hospital was initially scheduled to begin operations within five years; however, repeated financial shortfalls have caused significant delays in the project’s development.
While KICH, the academic component of the initiative, has initiated partial services, the critical 300-bed Children’s Hospital remains non-operational. Recently, both federal and provincial governments have started providing funds, enabling plans to kick off outpatient and emergency services as early as next month.
Paediatricians believe that the hospital’s transition to full operations is within reach, given that all logistical preparations have been completed and only an active Board of Governors is needed to fast-track the process. To date, the government has allocated Rs5 billion towards the project, with the remaining Rs2.9 billion awaiting release as part of the total estimated cost of Rs7.9 billion. Project officials express confidence that, contingent upon the BoG’s announcement by the government, full operations could commence by February.
Officials say Rs3bn still needed for completion of project
The groundbreaking project, conceptualized by Prof Abdul Hameed, a former head of the child health department at Khyber Medical College, stands as the first of its kind in the region, designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services for children and serve as an integrated hub for child health services throughout the province.
Currently, the project falls under the jurisdiction of the Board of Governors for Hayatabad Medical Complex, which is burdened with its own issues and has limited resources to devote to the Children’s Hospital development.
The government has already indicated plans to establish a dedicated Board of Governors for KICH and the newly constructed Fountain House, aimed at accelerating full-scale operational capabilities for both facilities. Unlike other provinces where dedicated children’s hospitals exist, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s children are frequently referred to hospitals in other regions for even mild medical needs.
“We are in the process of getting the electricity connection. Sewage and gas lines have already been completed but a BoG is needed to take quick decisions and save the project from more delay,” paediatricians expressed in their discussions.
Prof Inayatur Rehman, the project director, stated that once operational, the hospital plans to hire 1,800 personnel, primarily technical staff, and will offer an extensive range of 20 child health specialties encompassing both medical and surgical fields. He highlighted that with the hospital’s launch, no patients will require transfers outside the province.
“It will be a source of developing child health services throughout the province, incorporating the most modern referral systems from other hospitals,” he added.
Prof Inayat, a leading paediatric surgeon, noted the institute’s unique status as a centralized hub for clinical care, preventive medicine, research, and training facilities dedicated to child health across the province.
He elaborated that it would serve as a super-specialty center in clinical paediatrics, offering healthcare services while also providing up-to-date training for doctors, nurses, and paramedics.
Health department officials affirmed that the government aims to commence emergency and outpatient services at the hospital next month while planning to assign specialists from other facilities to the project.
Notably, the initial budget allocated for the project in 2013 was Rs2 billion; however, this figure surged to approximately Rs8 billion by 2021, with over Rs3 billion still needed for overall completion.
The authorities anticipate an amount of Rs1.5 billion to be made available during the current fiscal year for the project, on which approximately 80 percent of construction work has already been finalized.
Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2024
**Interview with Dr. Sara Khan, Pediatrician and Member of the Advisory Board for KCH**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khan. There’s been a lot of anticipation around the Khyber Institute of Child Health and the Children’s Hospital. Can you tell us about the optimism surrounding the establishment of the Board of Governors and its importance?
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me. Absolutely, the establishment of the Board of Governors is pivotal. It will ensure that we have the necessary leadership and direction needed to expedite the operational readiness of the Children’s Hospital. With their guidance, we can make swift decisions regarding resource allocation, staffing, and the implementation of services that are crucial for our children’s healthcare.
**Editor:** The KITCH was initially set to open in 2013. What have been the major challenges that led to these delays?
**Dr. Khan:** The project has faced considerable financial hurdles. Despite being approved back in 2008, funding shortfalls significantly slowed development. The government has recently allocated Rs5 billion, but we still require an additional Rs3 billion to complete the project. The recurring financial issues have prolonged the wait for a facility that is desperately needed.
**Editor:** You mentioned partial services have begun at the institute. What does that mean for families needing pediatric care now?
**Dr. Khan:** Yes, the academic component is operational, and we can provide some services. However, due to the current restrictions, many children in need of specialized care still have to be referred to hospitals outside the province, which is a significant setback. The full operational capabilities of the Children’s Hospital are critical for changing this dynamic.
**Editor:** What will be the first services offered when the hospital officially opens next month?
**Dr. Khan:** The initial focus will be on outpatient services and emergency care. We are finalizing the logistics for the electricity connection and other essential utilities, which are crucial for operations. Once these are in place and the Board of Governors is active, we are confident that we can begin treating patients.
**Editor:** An integrated hub for child health services is a remarkable concept. How will this improve healthcare for children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
**Dr. Khan:** It will drastically improve healthcare access and quality for children in the region. Currently, families must travel far for even basic treatment. With KICH and the Children’s Hospital fully operational, we can provide comprehensive services locally, which means quicker access to necessary care and specialized treatments that are crucial during critical times.
**Editor:** what message would you like to convey to the parents who are eagerly awaiting the opening of this facility?
**Dr. Khan:** I want to assure parents that we are working diligently to ensure that the Children’s Hospital opens its doors as soon as possible. Your hope and patience are invaluable, and we’re committed to providing the quality healthcare your children deserve right here in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights and for the dedication that you and your colleagues show towards child healthcare.
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for covering this important issue. Together, we are looking forward to a brighter future for child health in our province.
