KP to Hand Over Management of 24 Ailing Hospitals
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken a bold and reformative step in the healthcare sector by deciding to outsource low-performing hospitals across the province. As part of this initiative, KP to Hand Over Management of 24 Ailing Hospitals to the private sector in the first phase. This move aims to ensure that citizens receive quality medical care free of cost or at nominal government rates without compromising on standards.
According to KP Health Advisor Ehtesham Ali, the decision will help address existing gaps in healthcare delivery by handing over management and administration of underperforming public hospitals to private sector partners, while keeping ownership and public services intact.
Purpose of the Reform
The primary goal of outsourcing these hospitals is to improve service delivery, enhance efficiency, and provide timely, quality treatment to the public — all at government expense. The system will combine the resources of the government with the operational capabilities of private companies to fill critical gaps in healthcare services.
Which Hospitals Will Be Outsourced?
In the first phase, the government plans to outsource 24 hospitals classified as Category B, C, and D. These include hospitals that have been struggling with issues such as:
- Shortage of medical staff
- Lack of essential equipment
- Poor administration
- Delayed treatment services
The move focuses only on outsourcing management, not privatization. The hospitals will still be publicly owned, and all government employees will continue to perform their duties under the new management.
Gloves Manufacturing Training Pakistan — Free 6-Month NAVTTC Program for Youth
What Will Change for Patients?
For patients, this reform means better healthcare access with no added financial burden. Here’s what people can expect from the outsourced hospitals:
- Free treatment or care at existing government-approved slip rates
- Timely OPD services without long waiting hours
- Improved staff behavior and patient interaction
- Clean and hygienic facilities
- Regular presence of medical staff
- Availability of functional equipment and medicines
These changes aim to restore public trust in government hospitals and reduce reliance on private clinics.
Role of Private Sector and Government Oversight
The private sector will be responsible for:
- Hiring additional medical staff where needed
- Providing missing equipment and facilities
- Managing day-to-day hospital operations
At the same time, the Health Department’s IMU (Independent Monitoring Unit) will strictly monitor all outsourced hospitals to ensure transparency and accountability. In case of poor performance:
- Funds will be deducted from the private companies’ payments
- A public complaint redressal system will be in place to handle issues promptly
This model aims to balance efficiency with accountability, keeping the patient at the center of the system.
Not Privatization – Just Better Management
It’s important to note that this is not privatization. The hospitals remain publicly owned, and all current government employees will retain their jobs and responsibilities. The only change is that the management of hospital operations will now be handled by experienced private firms under government supervision.
Federal Cabinet Greenlights Resumption of Gas Connections for Homes on RLNG Prices
What’s Next?
If the first phase proves successful, the government plans to expand this model to more hospitals across the province in the next phase. The long-term goal is to strengthen KP’s entire healthcare system by making it more reliable, responsive, and resource-efficient.