Project Brief:
The proposed research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of outsourcing healthcare management in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). It will conduct a comparative performance analysis of healthcare facilities managed by the Department of Health (DOH) versus those operating under outsourced models. The objective is to provide evidence-based policy recommendations that optimize outsourcing strategies, enhance service delivery, and ensure financial sustainability. This study will align with the KP Health Policy 2018-2025 by assessing the impact of outsourcing on healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality. It will also identify challenges and unintended consequences associated with current models. The findings will offer valuable insights into improving service delivery within KP’s healthcare sector, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions regarding the refinement of public-private partnerships. This approach aims to meet national sustainable development goals and advance towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), contributing to the transformation of the province’s health system.
Public Policy Relevance:
The proposed research will result in a policy brief that is highly relevant to public policy in Pakistan, specifically in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). There is a pressing need to explore and refine public-private partnerships (PPPs) within the healthcare sector. By conducting a comprehensive comparative evaluation of healthcare facilities managed by the Department of Health (DOH) versus those that operate under outsourced models, this study aims to provide robust, evidence-based recommendations to enhance the province’s approach to outsourcing. This research goes beyond mere statistics; it seeks to understand the real-world effects of these models on service delivery, financial sustainability, and patient outcomes. Policymakers face the challenge of achieving more with limited resources, and this study critically examines outsourcing as a strategy to optimize fiscal resources while improving the quality, accessibility, and affordability of health services. Given the government’s strategic direction outlined in the KP Health Policy 2018-2025 and its commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the findings from this research are expected to inform policy decisions directly.
Team Details:
Principal Investigator
Dr Nauman Arif
Lecturer Epi & Bio
IPH&SS, Khyber Medical University
Co-PI
Prof Dr Zia Ul Haq
Vice Chancellor, KMU
Khyber Medical University
Co-PI
Dr Maria Ishaq Khattak
Assistant Professor
IPH&SS KMU
Research Associate
Noman Nazir
Admin & Logistics Administrator
ORIC, KMU