CONCERNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OPD SERVICES UNDER THE BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70765/q9325596Keywords:
audit, transperency, health, fundsAbstract
The program proposes an annual allocation of €11–€3 (approximately PKR 900) per family, paid quarterly to hospitals managing 4,000 families each. This approach excludes vital specialty care, investigations, and hospital admissions, which are essential for managing severe communicable diseases (e.g., dengue, acute hepatitis, and pneumonia) and chronic non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and stroke). These limitations significantly undermine the initiative's potential to deliver comprehensive and quality healthcare. Furthermore, reimbursing hospitals regardless of actual service provision raises ethical concerns about transparency and accountability
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References
1.Constitution of Pakistan, Article 37: Emphasizes the state's responsibility to ensure affordable and equitable healthcare access for all.
2.Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Ordinance (2002): Mandates transparency in the use of public funds.
3.Pakistan Public Health (Surveillance and Response) Act 2017: Highlights the need for comprehensive healthcare services, including diagnostics and hospitalization.
4.WHO Guidelines on Health Financing (2020): Advocate for linking healthcare spending with measurable outcomes.
5.Consumer Protection Act of Pakistan: Ensures service providers meet their obligations to the public without exploitation.
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