The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to outsource underperforming hospitals in the province.
According to Provincial Health Advisor Ehtesham Ali, the administrative affairs of poorly performing hospitals will be handed over to the private sector. In the initial phase, 24 hospitals are being outsourced, which include Category B, C, and D level hospitals.
He stated that the purpose of outsourcing is to provide the public with the best treatment at government expense. Standard and free treatment will be provided in these hospitals at government slip rates. “We are not privatizing the hospitals; rather, we are handing over their management and administration to the private sector,” he clarified.
The Health Advisor added that government employees in these hospitals will continue to perform their routine duties.
He further explained that private companies will address shortages of medical staff, equipment, and other resources in the hospitals. This initiative will ensure timely OPD services, improved official conduct, cleanliness, staff attendance, and functionality of equipment.
Ehtesham Ali stated that the Health Department’s IMU will monitor these hospitals to assess the performance of the private sector. Deductions will be made from company funds in case of poor performance. A comprehensive mechanism will also be in place to address public complaints. In the next phase, more hospitals will also be outsourced.
