Changing the system: BHUs, RHCs to be funded in one go

Health dept hopes to cut through red tape, improve service delivery

PESHAWAR: Focusing on decentralisation, the K-P health department is trying to free certain procedures from the clutches of a decades-old system. It hopes to ease the process of funding to ensure there is no unnecessary delay in the delivery of health services.

The health ministry granted autonomy to hospitals so that the managements can run affairs, generate their own funds and manage administrative matters at their respective facilities.

Although some changes were implemented, certain areas still function through the old system. This includes the supply of funds and different equipment to rural health centres and basic health units.

A senior health official told The Express Tribune the in-charges of the BHUs and RHCs do not have powers and need the approval of district health officers to even purchase the smallest of things. He added the process was so wrapped in red tape, that even something as simple as a light bulb takes 10 days to acquire.

“It has been planned that RHCs and BHUs will receive all [allotted] funds at once so they no longer need to seek the approval of officials,” the official said, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

He added the matter was discussed during a meeting of health officials held earlier this week.

The health official said the department wanted the in-charges of the RHCs and BHUs to run affairs without any delays so that health services could be efficient. He stressed that after the in-charges were empowered, the duration of the process would be reduced significantly.

When asked about medicines, the official stated these essentials were always available, but there were a number of things which needed approval of the DHOs. He reiterated DHOs would no longer need to be involved in the process once the health department’s plan comes to fruition.

When contacted, Health Deputy Secretary Motasim said the department was going ahead with its plan. However, there were certain legal procedures that needed to be tackled. Once that is done, the RHCs and BHUs will be receiving funds directly.

“Yes, it needs financial coding,” he said.

IMUs

Earlier, the health department launched an independent monitoring unit (IMU) through which officials were tasked with checking all health facilities across the province. The monitors would file reports on deficiencies, including the shortage of staff and equipment, besides the condition of the facilities.

A long list of shortcomings was presented and the government claimed it would order authorities concerned to fix these matters. “It will identify the loopholes and enable us to reduce shortcomings so that the public is facilitated at their doorstep,” Minister for Health Shahram Khan Tarakai was quoted as saying.

Health officials said the government wanted to equip health centres to the extent that patients were no longer referred to tertiary care hospitals. This would not only improve health facilities, but also lighten the burden on tertiary care facilities and provide treatment to people in their areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2016.