After outsourcing primary health centres, the government has now decided to contract out major teaching hospitals, starting with Jinnah Hospital in Lahore, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Friday.
The administration and clinical management of the hospital will be handed over to a private firm, marking a major shift in the province’s healthcare system.
The government has invited private companies to submit tenders for running Jinnah Hospital, with an advertisement issued setting May 2 as the deadline for bids.
This step follows the Specialized Health Department's apparent failure to efficiently manage the facility, leading to bureaucratic pressure to privatize hospital administration.
Critics argue that contracting out Jinnah Hospital exposes the incompetence of the Specialized Health Department, which has struggled to maintain service quality. Meanwhile, sources indicate that other major hospitals and healthcare facilities are also being considered for outsourcing in a phased manner.
The move has sparked concerns over potential increases in treatment costs, accessibility for low-income patients, and the overall impact on public healthcare.
However, government officials insist that private management will improve efficiency, reduce corruption, and enhance patient care.
Reporter: Zahid Chaudhary