K-P outsources hospital diagnostics under PPP

Six hospitals to get MRI, CT scanners; 72 more facilities lined up to end patient woes

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to outsource diagnostic facilities in public hospitals across the province, following the earlier outsourcing of hospital management services, officials told The Express Tribune.

The Health Department has initially selected six government hospitals where MRI and CT scan machines will be installed under a public-private partnership to ensure uninterrupted diagnostic services for patients. The outsourcing will be executed through the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Foundation.

According to official sources, District Headquarters Hospital Kohat, DHQ Swat, DHQ Batkhela, and DHQ Malakand will receive both MRI and CT scan machines. Additionally, Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Takht Bhai in Mardan and Category-D Hospital Garh Tajak in Peshawar will be provided with CT scanners. DHQ Timergara will receive an MRI machine along with a scanner.

Provincial Health Minister Khaliqur Rehman stated that this initiative aligns with the government's policy to enhance the quality and scope of healthcare facilities through public-private partnerships, particularly in underserved areas.

"These machines are extremely expensive, and procuring them in such large numbers for six hospitals was not feasible through traditional means. Hence, the PPP option is being utilized," the minister explained.

Under the reform agenda, the government aims to improve patient access to modern diagnostic imaging facilities with private sector collaboration. The move is expected to reduce patient referrals, improve the quality of medical decision-making, and minimise out-of-pocket expenses for citizens.

The minister revealed that the Health Foundation has already outsourced 24 hospitals so far, most of which are in merged districts where service improvements have been observed. The Health Department has prepared a list of 72 additional hospitals to be handed over under the PPP model in the future. Monitoring systems for all these hospitals are being strengthened.

Sources indicate that the absence of diagnostic services in major district hospitals has not only caused immense difficulties for patients but has also led to overwhelming crowds at Peshawar's three major tertiary care hospitals, including Lady Reading Hospital. Patients are often given long waiting dates for diagnostic tests, causing distress to countless families.

The complex procurement procedures of the Health Department have also resulted in months-long delays for even minor equipment repairs, sources added.

Under the PPP arrangement, partner organisations will be responsible for machine maintenance and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.