K-P moves to digital health oversight

Online PAR system, smart attendance planned

PESHAWAR:

In a major push towards modernizing healthcare administration and enhancing transparency, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has initiated the transition of annual performance reports for employees, including doctors, to a fully digital system.

The department has directed its IT wing and various sections to submit recommendations for implementing a digital performance evaluation (PAR or ACR equivalent) framework. A roadmap implementation committee meeting, chaired by the Secretary Health, reviewed the plan. Heads of different health divisions were instructed to compile comprehensive records, including service history, postings, transfers, and performance data for all staff members.

This digital shift aims to streamline accountability and support informed decision-making in promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions. Additionally, detailed job descriptions for all positions will be developed, clearly outlining roles and expectations for efficient administrative performance.

The department's IT section has been tasked with proposing a suitable digital platform. Discussions also focused on extending the Smart Attendance Platform, already in use across provincial government departments for facial recognition and GPS-verified attendance, to health facilities. This would integrate with district health officers (DHOs) and medical superintendents (MSs) to strengthen oversight.

The Additional Director General (Monitoring and Evaluation) will be responsible for providing documentary evidence in cases of absenteeism without prior leave or involvement in proxy attendance, enabling action against defaulters.

Under the Primary Healthcare Revamping Project, employees will transition to the Smart Attendance Platform as a pilot initiative. This aligns with ongoing efforts to revamp basic health units (BHUs) and rural health centers (RHCs) for better service delivery in rural areas.

To address staffing shortages, the department decided to hire 700 doctors on a contract basis on a priority basis, aiming to bolster healthcare provision across the province.

The meeting also directed the Health Care Commission to present proposed interventions for financial and performance audits of Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs) hospitals. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Foundation was instructed to develop a time-bound communication strategy for public-private partnerships in managing 72 hospitals, clearly distinguishing between outsourcing and privatization models.

Further directives included ensuring 80 per cent availability of medicines and 100 per cent for equipment and infrastructure in primary and secondary healthcare units through the Drug Department. Proposals must be prepared to introduce 24/7 maternal and child health services at relevant BHUs by May 31.

These reforms reflect the provincial government's broader commitment to digital governance, improved accountability, and strengthened healthcare infrastructure amid persistent challenges in service delivery.