Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Outsources 72 Hospitals to Boost Care Quality

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has announced a significant shift in healthcare management by outsourcing the administration of 72 public hospitals to private firms. This decision, aimed at enhancing healthcare services, focuses primarily on Category B, C, and D hospitals that are often located in remote tribal areas and the southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

According to documents from the Health Foundation, these hospitals have been marked for outsourcing due to persistent issues including staff shortages, low patient admissions, and administrative inefficiencies. As a result, many residents struggle to access basic healthcare. The provincial government’s initiative seeks to address these chronic challenges and improve service delivery across the region.

Ehtesham Khan, the Provincial Health Advisor, confirmed the decision following extensive consultations with stakeholders. He emphasized that the outsourcing initiative will ensure better management, full staff availability, adequate medical supplies, and timely patient treatment. This approach is part of a broader strategy to reform healthcare in KP, particularly in underserved areas.

Details of the Outsourced Facilities

Among the notable facilities included in this outsourcing plan are several Category B hospitals such as the District Headquarters Hospital in Lakki Marwat, DHQ Miranshah in North Waziristan, DHQ Hangu, and the Dargai Hospital in Malakand. Additional facilities in Category C include DHQ Ghalanai in Mohmand and DHQ Tank, as well as numerous tehsil-level hospitals across the province.

Category D hospitals set for outsourcing include Titterkhel and Tajuri in Lakki Marwat, Bana in Battagram, and Amakhel in Tank. Other facilities in areas such as Upper Chitral, D.I. Khan, and Kohat are also part of this initiative. The plan extends to several Rural Health Centers (RHCs) and civil hospitals in tribal districts, including Sararogha, Ladha, and Dattakhel.

Journalist Muhammad Faheem noted that this is not the first attempt by KP to implement such a model. Currently, 19 hospitals are successfully managed by private firms under the Health Foundation framework. This prior experience has shown promising results, ensuring the presence of medical staff in remote areas where government employees often face challenges in fulfilling their duties.

Regulatory Framework and Future Goals

Ehtesham Khan reassured the public that the outsourcing is not intended to close any hospitals. Instead, the goal is to make these facilities more functional, efficient, and aligned with public expectations. The government will maintain regulatory oversight, ensuring that private firms operate hospitals within approved budgets and adhere to official guidelines.

This strategic move represents a critical step toward healthcare reform in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Health Department aims to deliver improved services to populations in need, addressing gaps in healthcare access and quality. By fostering a partnership with private firms, the government hopes to enhance healthcare infrastructure and meet the needs of residents in underserved regions.

As this initiative unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on healthcare delivery and patient experiences in the coming months.