PESHAWAR — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is grappling with a severe medical infrastructure deficit, operating with a ratio of approximately one physician for every 5,000 to 6,000 residents across the province. According to data shared during an official briefing by provincial health leadership, the severe shortage places intense pressure on the region's public healthcare system as it struggles to meet the demands of a population exceeding 40 million people.
The institutional capacity falls significantly short across key metrics, leaving more than 200 government health facilities of varying types completely non-functional. Public hospitals collectively house 18,432 beds against a projected regional requirement of roughly 64,000, resulting in a deficit of more than 45,000 beds. This current capacity stands at less than a third of the level needed to properly serve the populace.
The existing physician count highlights a vast disparity when compared against international standards. The World Health Organization recommends a benchmark of one doctor for every 1,000 residents, meaning the province requires approximately 40,000 physicians—roughly five times its current workforce—to align with global health recommendations.
In response to these systemic gaps, provincial health adviser Lt. Gen. (R) Nigar Johar outlined upcoming administrative adjustments, including amendments to the Medical Teaching Institutions Act and comprehensive institutional audits. Furthermore, the provincial administration confirmed that the Sehat Card scheme will remain operational rather than being discontinued, with ongoing efforts directed toward addressing structural flaws and implementing a financial audit to enhance service delivery.