The Maryam Nawaz Community Health Services Program is gearing up for a massive public health deployment across Punjab, as the last date for receiving tenders from private firms closes Tuesday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Under the plan, 19,543 Community Health Inspectors (CHIs) will be hired on daily wages to address the growing healthcare needs across the province.
The recruitment drive, which is being outsourced to the private sector, is a key feature of the program. According to official sources, over Rs 16.5 billion will be spent on the hiring of these CHIs, with the contracted firm receiving direct government funding to manage the process.
In Lahore alone, 3,783 Community Health Inspectors will be recruited, with a budget allocation of Rs 3.5 billion for the provincial capital.
Significantly, the selected private firm will not only be responsible for the hiring process but will also have the authority to remove CHIs as deemed necessary.
The inspectors are being recruited to fill positions left vacant by Lady Health Workers, aiming to stabilise and strengthen grassroots-level health monitoring and community engagement.
Reporter: Zahid Chaudhary