Public-private partnership: Chitral health model could be replicated in other districts

K-P chief secretary says high fees issues to be taken up when renewing the agreement

A top government official on Monday hinted that the public-private model through which health services were being provided to people at two health centres in Chitral could be expanded to other districts.

This was stated by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Secretary Naveed Kamran Baluch who visited remote sites in Chitral on Monday and examined the basic health facilities there. He was accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary Shehzad Bangash, Malakand Commissioner Zaheerul Islam and Health secretary Dr Farooq Jamil.

During the visit, they visited the Rural Health Centre (RHC) in Shah Gram, in Boni Tehsil and the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospital in Garam Chashma. The facilities are being run in collaboration with the Aga Khan Health Services Pakistan (AKHSP).

Baluch stated health services being provided at this health facility were an example of public-private partnership and may be extended to other health facilities across the province as well.

During his visit to Garam Chashma THQ, people complained about the fees being charged by the hospital administration.

Baluch ensured them that this problem will be resolved when they sit down to renew their agreement with AKHSP.

He also directed hospital authorities to ensure providing quality health services at minimum cost.

Later on, the chief secretary also visited the Boni THQ. Baluch instructed the hospital medical superintendent and the Chitral district health officer to ensure the presence of all doctors, other staff members and the availability of medicines.

He also met with locals who told him about the different problems they face.

The Malakand commissioner, health secretary and Chitral DC were directed to resolve these issues quickly.

Meanwhile, the health secretary visited the Chitral District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital and the women and children hospital in the city to inspect facilities.

Health Secretary Dr Jameel said that all health-related issues in these areas will be resolved on priority basis.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2018.