Outcry over plan to privatise dozens of hospitals

Health workers, clerks' unions vow joint protest against second phase of privatisation

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab Health Department has decided to privatise 1,418 more Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs), along with 48 tehsil headquarters (THQ) hospitals and 9 district headquarters (DHQ) hospitals during the current fiscal year.

In Rawalpindi Division, six THQ hospitals have been selected for sale, including Kahuta, Taxila, Jand, Pind Dadan Khan, Sohawa and Talagang.

So far, 2,480 BHUs and RHCs have already been privatised.

The Employees Association (APCA) and other health workers' unions have condemned the move, announcing protests against what they call the second phase of privatisation.

The DHQ hospitals on the list include facilities in Bhakkar, Hafizabad, Jhang, Khushab, Layyah, Mianwali, Rajanpur, Khanewal, and Bahawalnagar. The privatisation of these hospitals, union leaders warn, will make healthcare unaffordable for low-income communities, with increased fees for doctors, lab tests, and deliveries likely to worsen health inequality and lead to more preventable deaths.

According to health department sources, the process will be completed before June 30, 2026.

The next phase in early 2026 will see the privatisation of Rawalpindi's two largest hospitals—Benazir Bhutto General Hospital and Holy Family Hospital.