LAHORE (Web Desk): Punjab’s National Health Support Programme (NHSP) has registered visible gains in primary healthcare, referral pathways and data-led governance, a World Bank–led Joint Implementation Support Mission observed on Monday.
In his opening remarks, Additional Secretary (Admin) and NHSP Project Director Dr Jahanzeb Hussain said the government had phased the outsourcing of BHUs and RHCs against performance indicators, expanded diagnostics and minor surgical services, and strengthened referral pathways from community to secondary care. He added that competency-based training, supportive supervision and standard treatment protocols were improving governance, while district dashboards, tighter stock management and citizen feedback were lifting service quality.
The mission, led by Jahanzaib Sohail, Task Team Leader and Senior Health Economist at the World Bank, reviewed objectives, tracked actions from the previous visit and drew up a time-bound plan to plug implementation gaps.
On this occasion, Capt (Retd.) Dr Usman Ali Khan presented an implementation update, underscoring delivery discipline, reliable primary care, timely referrals and measurable gains in patient experience. He stressed coordination among the Health and Population Department, local governments and partners.
Programme heads briefed the mission on DLIs, business plans and progress, including Dr Samra Khurram (EPI), Dr Qasim (TB Control Programme), Dr Farrukh Amin (MNHC), Khalid Sharif (HISDU), Sarfraz Ahmed (Development Wing), Karamat Ali (Communication Specialist-NHSP), and Umaid Faisal (OBB-NHSP).
The mission noted improvements at the facility and community levels. Mr Sohail cited reform momentum, while Michael Kent Ranson, Senior Economist, praised teams for commitment and measurable outcomes. Representatives of the GFF, Gates Foundation, Gavi, Global Fund and FCDO attended. NHSP’s Communication Specialist produced a short documentary that was screened at the review. The showcase traced facility-level improvements and data-led governance. The screening drew favourable feedback from attendees.
