Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Launches Laser Kidney Treatment for Children: A Major Step Toward Advanced Pediatric Healthcare

In a landmark development for pediatric healthcare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government has officially launched government-level laser treatment for kidney stones in children, introducing modern, non-invasive procedures at the Institute of Kidney Diseases (IKD), Hayatabad.

The facility was inaugurated on Monday by Advisor to the Chief Minister on Health, Mr. Ehtesham Ali, who hailed the initiative as a revolutionary step forward in child-centered medical care.

The newly introduced pediatric laser lithotripsy enables doctors to treat kidney stones in children without the need for open surgery, minimizing pain, risk, and recovery time. During his visit, the Health Advisor observed a successful laser procedure conducted on a young patient and expressed satisfaction with the advanced capabilities now available at the hospital.

“We are proud to bring such cutting-edge medical technology to the public health system,” Mr. Ehtesham Ali said while addressing the media. “This not only reduces the burden on families but also places our province among the pioneers of pediatric laser treatment in Pakistan.”

New Medical Infrastructure Unveiled

Medical illustration of laser lithotripsy procedure for treating kidney stones

In addition to the laser treatment unit, the Advisor also inaugurated several new emergency and diagnostic facilities at IKD. These include:

State-of-the-art Microbiology Laboratory

To improve disease diagnosis and infection control

Modernized Emergency Care Unit

For rapid treatment of kidney-related emergencies

Fully Functional Administration Block

To streamline hospital operations and patient services

Hospital officials say these upgrades will significantly enhance efficiency, patient comfort, and clinical outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and patients requiring urgent nephrological care.

Expanding Access Across the Province

Institute of Kidney Diseases, Hayatabad – Exterior View

This initiative is part of a broader health sector reform agenda, under which the government is working to upgrade facilities in 32 hospitals across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The focus is on providing specialized services at the district and tehsil levels, reducing the need for patients to travel to larger cities for advanced care.

“Every child, no matter where they live in the province, deserves access to quality medical treatment,” Mr. Ehtesham Ali added. “This is not just an upgrade in equipment; it’s an upgrade in how we value the health of our children.”

According to IKD officials, the hospital has already begun receiving referrals from other districts, and pediatric kidney patients are now being treated with international-standard protocols at a fraction of the cost charged by private institutions.

A Lifesaving Alternative to Surgery

How Laser Lithotripsy Works:

1 Kidney stones in children can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
2 Traditional open surgery involves risks such as infection, long hospital stays, and prolonged pain management.
3 Laser lithotripsy uses targeted laser energy to break the stones into small fragments, which are then passed naturally through the urinary tract.
4 This minimally invasive treatment is considered the gold standard globally, especially for younger patients, whose bodies are more sensitive to surgical trauma.

Public Encouraged to Avail Free Services

The Health Department is encouraging families across the province to bring children suffering from symptoms such as frequent urination, abdominal pain, or blood in urine to IKD for early diagnosis and treatment. Officials confirmed that treatments under the new system will be offered free of cost, or at highly subsidized rates under government health schemes.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

Frequent urination
Abdominal pain
Blood in urine
Lower back pain

Moving Toward a Healthier Future

Healthcare analysts have welcomed the initiative as a major leap toward modernization and equity in public health. With the successful launch of these advanced services, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has set an example for other provinces to follow in bridging the gap between public healthcare and world-class technology.

The Institute of Kidney Diseases, already a regional center of excellence, is now poised to become a national leader in pediatric nephrology and urology, offering hope to thousands of families dealing with kidney disorders in children.