Govt residences near Health Centres handed over to contractors; employees ordered to vacate

In a significant policy shift, the government has granted contractors managing Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) the right to use official residences located adjacent to these facilities, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Thursday.

As part of the decision, all government employees currently residing in these residences have been issued notices to vacate the houses with immediate effect. The move aims to provide additional operational privileges to contractors overseeing the primary and rural healthcare infrastructure.

According to the new directive, contractors awarded contracts for the management of BHUs and RHCs will now be entitled to utilise the adjoining government residences as part of their service package. This change has sparked concern among some health department employees, who have been residing in these premises for years.

Officials say the measure is intended to streamline healthcare service delivery under the public-private partnership model by allowing contractors to have direct and full-time access to the health facilities and their attached accommodation.

The government has yet to respond to concerns raised by employees regarding the short notice period and alternative housing arrangements.

Reporter: Zahid Chaudhary