Govt to outsource PIMS, transfer control of Islamabad hospitals to district administration

The Federal Government has chosen to transfer administrative control of various hospitals in Islamabad to a district administrator. Sources disclosed on Wednesday. The hospitals involved in this transfer are the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences {PIMS}, National Rehabilitation Centre, Federal Government Hospitals, and Poly Clinic.  

Furthermore, the district health office and basic and rural health centers are anticipated to be delivered to the district administration. The transfer of administrative control is expected to be finalized within a year. A detailed scheme and plan for this transfer are being developed by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Islamabad administration. 

 This initiative intends to improve healthcare services in the capital. Previous reports highlighted that the Ministry of Health has decided to outsource the diagnostic lab of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, PIMS, which is the largest government hospital in the country.

Preparations are under the process of starting a public-private partnership model for managing PIMS, with plans for a phase-wise outsourcing approach. In the initial phase, the Department of Radiology Laboratory Services at PIMS decided to be outsourced, followed by the privatization of additional sectors in the subsequent phases. Sources claim that a decision regarding the utilization of PIMS substantial land assets, estimated in the trillions, is expected in the third phase. 

Read more: Pakistan’s First Public-Sector Cancer Hospital Inaugurated At Pims

The transfer of the shifting of administrative control intends to improve the quality of healthcare services in Islamabad, which will lead to better management and more efficient use of resources. Furthermore, by outsourcing various sectors like radiology and laboratory services via a public-private partnership, hospitals like PIMS may be capable of gaining access to better technology, improved diagnosis services, and skilled experts.  

Moreover, transferring control to district administrators is expected to streamline decision-making, permitting more localized and responsive management of hospitals and healthcare centers. Outsourcing certain non-core operations, permits the hospitals to focus on patient care, while specialized firms manage diagnostic labs and other sectors.  

The inclusion of private partners in physics may help in getting investments in healthcare infrastructure, leading to better treatment and modern facilities. There are many other negative outcomes associated with it. Firstly, outsourcing, certain healthcare services is expected to lead to higher costs for patients, particularly if private partners decide to prioritize profit over accessibility and affordability. Secondly, hospital staff working in outsourced departments may encounter various job uncertainties or alterations in employment terms, which will lead to concerns over reduced advantages.  

Thirdly, without proper oversight, there is a risk that privatized services could compromise the quality of care, especially if private entities prioritize efficiency over patient-centered care. Fourthly, privatization leads to a tiered service system, wealthier patients may get better care.

However, lower-income individuals could face reduced access to essential healthcare services. Fifthly, the transfer of administrative control and outsourcing in phases could lead to disruptions in hospital operations, creating uncertainties and potential delays in terms of service delivery during the shifting period.