Strengthening Primary Healthcare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Strengthening Primary Healthcare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

A Public–Private Partnership between GSM and Primary Healthcare Reforms Project, Department of Health KP to Address Human Resource Gaps in selected First-Level Care Facilities to ensure 24/7 service delivery

Project Overview

Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan (GSM), in partnership with the Department of Health, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is strengthening Primary Healthcare through provision of essential Human Resource (lady health visitors, Medical Technicians) to ensure round the clock services at 250 first level care public healthcare facilities (BHUs and RHCs). The initiative is designed to address critical shortages of frontline healthcare workers across 27 districts of KP.

The project supports the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's vision of strengthening primary healthcare systems by ensuring the availability of skilled and motivated healthcare professionals in underserved and hard-to-reach communities. Through strategic deployment and management of qualified healthcare staff, the initiative contributes to improved healthcare accessibility, enhanced service quality, and better health outcomes for the population.

Partnership for Stronger Primary Healthcare

On 23 December 2025, the Department of Health, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, through the Primary Healthcare Reforms Project, signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) with Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan to strengthen primary healthcare services through a strategic public–private partnership.

The agreement marked a significant milestone in the province's healthcare reform agenda and established a collaborative framework for addressing human resource gaps within the primary healthcare system. The LoU was signed by Dr. Syed Azizur Rab, Chief Executive Officer of Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan, and Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan, Project Director, Primary Healthcare Reforms Project, in the presence of the Honourable Minister for Health KP, Mr. Mian Khaliq ur Rehman, Secretary Health KP, Mr. Shahid Ullah Khan, and senior representatives from both DoH KP and Greenstar

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery systems and ensuring that communities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services.

Project Goal

To strengthen primary healthcare services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the deployment and management of qualified healthcare professionals in selected health facilities, thereby improving access, quality, and continuity of care.

Project Objectives

  • Address critical shortages of healthcare professionals at BHUs and RHCs.
  • Improve the availability and accessibility of essential primary healthcare services.
  • Strengthen maternal, newborn, child health, and preventive healthcare services.
  • Enhance service quality through professional orientation, supervision, and performance monitoring.
  • Support the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in achieving sustainable healthcare reforms.
  • Build a responsive and resilient primary healthcare workforce capable of meeting community health needs.

Geographic Coverage

200 BHUs and 50 RHCs across 27 districts of KP

Project Duration

1 year and Extendable

Project Key Indicators

Key Interventions

Recruitment and Deployment

Human Resource Strengthening

Greenstar recruits and deploys qualified healthcare professionals, including Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) and Medical Technicians (MTs), to designated healthcare facilities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Priority is given to ensuring that facilities with critical staffing shortages receive the support necessary to maintain uninterrupted healthcare services.

Pre-Deployment Orientation

Capacity Building

All newly recruited personnel undergo comprehensive induction and orientation programs. These sessions familiarize staff with project objectives, service delivery standards, reporting requirements, professional ethics, and expectations for quality healthcare provision.

The induction orientation of the first batch of newly inducted human resources provided an important platform for communicating the shared vision of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan. The sessions emphasized the vital role of healthcare professionals in advancing primary healthcare strengthening efforts throughout the province.

Human Resource Management

Performance & Accountability

The project incorporates structured human resource management systems, including attendance monitoring, performance evaluation, supportive supervision, and continuous engagement with healthcare workers. These mechanisms ensure accountability, quality service delivery, and sustained workforce performance.

Health Systems Strengthening

Systems & Coordination

Beyond staffing support, the initiative contributes to broader health systems strengthening efforts by improving facility readiness, enhancing service delivery capacity, and supporting effective coordination between healthcare providers and government stakeholders.

Expected Outcomes

The project is expected to contribute to:

  • Increased availability of skilled healthcare professionals at first-level care facilities.
  • Improved access to quality primary healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.
  • Enhanced maternal, newborn, child, and reproductive health outcomes.
  • Improved patient satisfaction and healthcare utilization.
  • Strengthened healthcare facility performance and service continuity.
  • Sustainable improvements in the primary healthcare workforce across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Greenstar's Contribution

As the implementing partner, Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan brings extensive experience in health systems strengthening, healthcare workforce development, and public-sector collaboration. Through robust recruitment systems, technical expertise, capacity-building initiatives, and effective project management, GSM supports the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in delivering impactful and sustainable healthcare solutions.

Project Current Status (till April 2026)

EVENTS, PHOTOS & VIDEOS

LoU Signing 1
LoU Signing 2
LoU Signing 3
LoU Signing 4
LoU Signing 5

Landmark LoU Signing Between Department of Health KP and Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan

Date: 23 December 2025

Location: Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Purpose: The Letter of Understanding (LoU) signed between the Department of Health, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan marks a significant milestone in primary healthcare reform. This partnership addresses critical human resource gaps in BHUs and RHCs across 27 districts, ensuring 24/7 service delivery and improved healthcare access for underserved communities.

5 Photos
Orientation 1
Orientation 2
Orientation 3
Orientation 4
Orientation 5
Orientation 6

Pre-Deployment Orientation for Healthcare Professionals

Date: January – March 2026

Location: Multiple Venues, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Purpose: Comprehensive induction and orientation programs were conducted for all newly recruited healthcare professionals, including Lady Health Visitors and Medical Technicians. The sessions focused on project objectives, service delivery standards, professional ethics, and quality healthcare provision, preparing 495 healthcare professionals for deployment across 250 facilities in 27 districts.

6 Photos