Despite the Community Health Inspector (CHI) program being outsourced to private firms, the government has decided to fund digital equipment for inspectors, approving the purchase of thousands of tablets from public money. The move has sparked debate over rising costs and the effectiveness of the outsourcing model.
According to official details, the government has procured 30,000 tablets worth more than Rs1.5 billion in the first phase for Community Health Inspectors working under private contractors. These tablets will be used by temporary employees hired by private firms to carry out field monitoring and data collection under the CHI program.
The Community Health Inspector Program was launched to strengthen grassroots health monitoring through outsourced private firms operating on a contractual basis. While management and staffing were handed over to private operators, the program continues to rely heavily on government funding.
Sources revealed that, apart from the tablet procurement cost, the private firm managing the program is also receiving a separate and sizable payment to operate and oversee the initiative.
Officials further disclosed that preparations are underway to purchase additional tablets for daily-wage Community Health Inspectors, which could further increase the financial burden on the national exchequer. The decision has raised concerns over whether outsourcing has actually reduced costs, as public funds are being used for equipment and operational expenses for privately hired staff.
A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the development calls for a review of the outsourcing framework to ensure transparency and value for money.