Storm brews over handover of basic health units to PPHI in Sindh

Representatives from various medical bodies are strongly opposing the transfer of all basic health units (BHUs) in Sindh to the People's Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI). Critics question the benefits PPHI has provided over the past 20 years and express concerns about non-medical personnel managing the health facilities. The Young Doctors Association Sindh, led by Dr Farrukh Rauf, plans to hold a press conference to voice their opposition, claiming the move deprives doctors of employment opportunities.

Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro from the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Centre also opposes the transfer, stating that PPHI has been running health facilities poorly under non-medical leadership. He questions the rationale behind bypassing established public healthcare infrastructure to outsource vital public assets to a private or semi-autonomous entity.

The PMA emphasizes the importance of consulting key stakeholders, including medical leadership, before making such decisions. Dr Shoro also challenges the government to demonstrate the PPHI's success and measurable achievements in health indicators, given that the organization has been operational for 20 years. The health department maintains that the claims of privatization are incorrect, as PPHI is a not-for-profit company entirely owned and funded by the Sindh government.

They emphasize that the arrangement provides administrative and operational flexibility, enabling efficient management and timely decision-making without adversely affecting employment, salaries, or service rights of existing employees.