KP to Resume Free Cancer Medicines Program

The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to resume a project providing free medicines to underprivileged cancer patients and expand it across the province.

Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi issued the directive while chairing a meeting on the Annual Development Program (ADP) 2026–27, where key proposals in health, agriculture, youth, and infrastructure were reviewed.

Health sector priorities

The chief minister ordered the early completion of the Khyber Institute of Child Health and directed the immediate release of funds, along with coordination with the federal government for pending financing.

Key health proposals discussed include:

• Establishment of a “Health City” and a general hospital at the Khan Institute of Organ Transplant
• Upgrading Basic Health Units (BHUs), Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), and Category-D hospitals
• Setting up an Oncology Center and Burn and Kidney Center in Mardan
• Construction of a Clinical Tower in Swabi

Agriculture and environment initiatives

To boost food security, the CM directed the Agriculture Department to develop a plan for self-sufficiency in wheat and essential crops.

Proposals also include:

• Providing machinery to farmers
• Developing command areas for 22 small dams
• Offering interest-free loans to agriculture graduates
• Introducing scholarships for students

He also called for projects in major cities to recharge groundwater through rainwater and floodwater harvesting.

Youth and sports development

The government plans to priorities youth-focused initiatives, including:

• Establishment of youth centers across districts
• Construction of sports complexes in South Waziristan Upper, Mohmand, Chitral, and Battagram
• Dedicated sports facilities for special children

Strengthening emergency services

The meeting also proposed expanding emergency response infrastructure by:

• Establishing Rescue 1122 sub-stations in remaining tehsils
• Setting up rescue points in densely populated areas
• Creating a mobile command and control center

Focus on inclusive development

CM Afridi emphasized that the upcoming budget will prioritize youth, low-income groups, and the middle class, aiming to deliver inclusive development and improved public services across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.