LAHORE: In a first, the Punjab Specialised Healthcare Department has introduced key performance indicators (KPIs) for the heads of departments (HODs) at public hospitals, focusing on critical aspects of hospital management, clinical performance and patient care.
The KPIs, aimed at improving accountability and operational efficiency, will track everything from attendance and patient outcomes to financial responsibility and professional conduct.
The indicators span multiple areas, emphasising the importance of consistent attendance, emergency visits and patient satisfaction. The HODs are now required to ensure at least one round per day and a set a number of outpatient visits per week while maintaining high standards in clinical procedures, documentation and patient care.
Additionally, the performance evaluation would cover the level of staff training, including the number of lectures delivered and research articles published, alongside specific operational metrics like the number of surgeries performed and the management of waiting lists. They would also be evaluated on supervisory benchmarks, including their approach to handling patient complaints, maintaining ethical standards, and rationalising human resources.
Financial efficiency is another critical focus with the HODs now expected to manage departmental revenue, ensure timely payments, and uphold audit compliance. The integration of the KPIs aimed to enhance hospital operations, improve the quality of care, and ensure the timely delivery of services.
By holding hospital leadership to measurable standards, the KPIs are set to redefine how the HODs manage their roles, balancing clinical expertise with administrative excellence for the betterment of healthcare delivery.
Punjab Specialised Healthcare Secretary Azmat Mehmood has emphasised the urgent need for improved governance in the province’s hospitals. In a letter to heads of institutions (HOIs) and HODs, he highlighted growing concerns over declining patient satisfaction and trust, which he attributed to insufficient leadership and accountability.
The provincial secretary stressed that inadequate governance practices were undermining the quality of care and tarnishing the reputation of healthcare institutions across the region.
He called on hospital leaders to take responsibility for their departments, pointing out that many HODs were operating without the necessary oversight, leading to inconsistent patient care. He noted that a lack of accountability among HODs was a critical issue that needed to be addressed to ensure that every patient received the quality of care they deserve.
The secretary underscored the need for hospital leadership to take collective action in restoring confidence in the healthcare system. The new performance evaluation reports and KPIs are expected to be implemented soon, marking a significant step toward improving hospital governance, enhancing patient outcomes, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence in healthcare.
