KP Opens Burns Centre and New Dialysis Unit at Hayatabad Medical Complex

Upgraded healthcare facilities aim to improve specialized treatment, kidney care, and patient services across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Staff Report

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has expanded healthcare services at Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) with the inauguration of a new Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre, an upgraded dialysis unit, outpatient department (OPD), and additional hospital wards.

KP Health Minister Khaleeq ur Rehman formally inaugurated the new facilities at the Medical Teaching Institution (MTI) Hayatabad Medical Complex in the presence of senior hospital officials, medical specialists, and members of the Board of Governors.

Burn cases are a massive burden on Pakistan's healthcare system, with major centers grappling with severe capacity constraints and rising patient volumes. Most injuries involve flame burns in domestic settings, with an average of nearly 30% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) affected.

Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said the provincial government is committed to strengthening public healthcare by improving specialized medical services, upgrading hospital infrastructure, and ensuring better access to quality treatment. He added that investments in major teaching hospitals are intended to enhance patient care while supporting medical education, research, and professional training.

Khaleeq ur Rehman said the newly established Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre will enable more patients to receive specialized treatment within the province, reducing the need to travel elsewhere for advanced burn care. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing additional resources to further develop the facility.

Highlighting the importance of affordable healthcare, the minister said nearly Rs50 billion has been allocated for the Sehat Card programme in the current fiscal year. He noted that including burn treatment under the scheme would be discussed with the relevant authorities.

During his visit, the minister also toured the Institute of Kidney Diseases, inaugurated its new dialysis unit and expanded patient facilities, and interacted with patients to review the quality of healthcare services.

Officials from the Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre briefed the minister on the institution's progress, including improvements in specialized treatment, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation, medical training, and research. They also emphasized the importance of public awareness and preventive measures to help reduce burn-related injuries across the province.

A systemic review of Pakistani burn studies highlights that flame burns comprise over 58% of cases, with an average mortality rate nearing 26%. Clinical experts stress that specialized cellular and tissue-based treatment is in short supply, and local authorities are increasingly urging the government to implement formal burn-prevention programs to curb these numbers.