KP to outsource diagnostic services at six public hospitals under PPP

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to outsource diagnostic services in public hospitals across the province under a public-private partnership model, expanding a policy it has already used for hospital management services.

Officials said the Health Department has, in the first phase, selected six government hospitals where MRI and CT scan facilities will be installed to provide uninterrupted diagnostic services to patients. The outsourcing process will be carried out through the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Foundation.

Hospitals selected in first phase

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

Provincial Health Minister Khaliqur Rehman said the step was in line with the government’s policy of improving the quality and reach of healthcare services through public-private partnerships, particularly in areas with limited facilities.

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 said.

Government says move will improve access

Under the reform plan, the provincial government aims to expand access to modern diagnostic imaging with the support of the private sector. Officials said the arrangement is expected to cut down on patient referrals, support better medical decision-making and reduce out-of-pocket spending for citizens.

Khaliqur Rehman said the Health Foundation has so far outsourced 24 hospitals, most of them in the merged districts, where improvements in services have been observed. He added that the Health Department has also prepared a list of 72 more hospitals that may be handed over under the PPP model in the future.

The minister said monitoring systems for all such hospitals are being strengthened.

Pressure on major hospitals cited

Officials said the lack of diagnostic services in major district hospitals has created serious problems for patients and has also increased pressure on Peshawar’s three main tertiary care hospitals, including Lady Reading Hospital.

They said patients are often given long waiting times for diagnostic tests, causing hardship for many families. Officials also said the Health Department’s procurement procedures have led to delays of several months even in the repair of minor equipment.

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