The Punjab government is set to outsource 20 more Basic Health Units (BHUs) in Rawalpindi district, following the earlier outsourcing of seven BHUs in February. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare delivery by partnering with private medical practitioners.
Implementation Details:
- Selection Criteria: BHUs situated on main roads and in densely populated areas have been chosen to maximize accessibility.
- Staffing and Services: Each outsourced BHU will be staffed by an MBBS-qualified medical practitioner, a dispenser, a lady health visitor, and supporting personnel. These centers will offer free medical treatments for common ailments like fever and flu, as well as gynecological services. The provincial government will compensate each doctor up to Rs800,000 for their services.
- Government Oversight: The District Health Authority will monitor these facilities to ensure the provision of required services, with regular weekly and monthly reporting.
Community Impact:
The initial phase of outsourcing has reportedly led to a threefold increase in patient visits, particularly among expectant mothers registering at these BHUs. This trend indicates a positive reception from the community and an improvement in healthcare accessibility.
Future Plans:
Doctors currently assigned to the BHUs slated for outsourcing will be reassigned to tehsil headquarters and district headquarters hospitals, addressing existing staffing vacancies within these facilities.
This strategic move reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to enhancing primary healthcare services through public-private partnerships, aiming for broader and more efficient healthcare coverage in the region.
