KP govt’s Nutrition Assistance for Pregnant Women

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Peshawar: As a crucial measure toward improving maternal and child healthcare and combating infant stunted growth, Chief Minister Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, has preliminarily approved a special assistance package for pregnant women residing in underprivileged areas of the province.

This initiative aims to provide women with essential nutrients and food supplements during and after pregnancy.

Stressing the urgency to address the prevailing infant mortality rate, the CM has decided to bolster the midwifery sector to meet contemporary needs. Additionally, strict enforcement of the provincial Child Marriage Act has been prioritized.

Chairing the 4th meeting of the Provincial Population Task Force at the Chief Minister’s residence in Peshawar, the attendees included provincial cabinet members and high-ranking officials from relevant departments.

They collectively emphasized the importance of implementing legislation mandating blood tests in marriage certificates (“Nikah Nama”) and directed authorities to facilitate blood test services locally.

Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the need for accessible family planning services across healthcare centers throughout the province.

A comprehensive awareness campaign, including seminars targeting students in colleges and universities, is also slated for implementation.

Demographic insights revealed that the province’s population growth rate is among the lowest compared to other regions.

Addressing the participants, the CM emphasized that the rapid population growth poses a significant challenge not just to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa but to the entire nation. He stressed the importance of developing an integrated strategy to tackle this challenge effectively.

The CM highlighted the need to balance resources with the population and called for a collaborative effort from the government, partner organizations, and the private sector.

He instructed relevant authorities to formulate a practical plan to address issues concerning maternal and infant mortality and stunted growth.

Furthermore, he urged for the establishment of population welfare centers in areas lacking healthcare facilities.

Later, the CM chaired a meeting regarding the financial challenges faced by public sector universities.

Discussions revolved around identifying factors causing financial constraints and exploring avenues for enhancing self-sufficiency through efficient management and utilization of university assets.

Minister for Higher Education, Meena Khan Afridi, Advisor on Finance, Muzzamil Aslam, Secretary Higher Education, Arshad Khan, and Vice Chancellors from various public sector universities attended the meeting.

The CM formed a committee comprising the Minister of Higher Education, the Advisor on Finance, the Secretary of Higher Education, and representatives from public sector universities. This committee is tasked with thoroughly examining the issues faced by public sector universities and presenting a detailed report to the CM, along with recommendations for enhancing self-sufficiency.

Additionally, the CM directed relevant authorities to ensure timely payment of salaries for May and June to university employees. University heads were also instructed to provide realistic demands and necessary details to the finance department.

Moreover, the CM urged universities to devise plans for solar energy adoption to reduce electricity expenses, assuring full support from the provincial government for solarization initiatives through public-private partnerships.