The Punjab government has decided to outsource its Clinic on Wheels project, transferring administrative management to private operators.
The Health Department has formally begun the process, inviting applications from private entities until 26 January. The initiative includes 791 Clinic on Wheels units and 590 rural ambulances.
Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir said the move aims to improve service delivery and strengthen the healthcare system. “Our goal is to bring medical facilities to people’s doorsteps, especially in underserved rural areas,” he added.
Under this partnership, field-based mobile health units and rural ambulance services will also be managed by private sector operators. The government expects better efficiency and wider coverage through these collaborations.
The Clinic on Wheels project was inaugurated in May last year by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Initially, 200 mobile clinics provided healthcare services to about 4 million residents across the province.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also announced plans to introduce state-of-the-art cardiology facilities in eight cities, including Mianwali, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Jhelum, Sahiwal, Murree, and Layyah. These upgrades aim to offer specialized care alongside mobile health services.
Officials said the outsourcing strategy is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure timely and quality healthcare. Private sector involvement is expected to reduce operational challenges and improve patient care in remote areas.
The Health Department emphasized that citizens can continue to access mobile clinic services during the transition, with no disruption to ongoing healthcare delivery.
The initiative highlights Punjab’s commitment to modernizing healthcare infrastructure and expanding medical access through projects like the Clinic on Wheels.
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