The Punjab government has announced its decision to outsource the Clinics on Wheels project as part of its efforts to improve access to healthcare services in rural and underserved areas of the province. Under this initiative, the management and operational responsibilities of mobile healthcare units and rural ambulance services will be handed over to the private sector.
According to official details, a total of 791 mobile clinics and 590 rural ambulances will be outsourced to private entities. The Punjab Health Department has formally invited applications from private organizations, with January 26, 2026, set as the deadline for submission.
Provincial Minister for Health and Population Khawaja Imran Nazir stated that the primary objective of this move is to enhance service delivery and strengthen the overall healthcare system. He emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure that quality medical facilities reach people living in remote and less developed areas directly.
The health minister further explained that partnering with the private sector will allow mobile clinics and rural ambulance services to be operated more efficiently and professionally, leading to improved response times, better maintenance of medical equipment, and enhanced patient care.
The Clinics on Wheels project was launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in May 2025, to provide essential healthcare services to areas lacking basic medical facilities. Currently, around 200 mobile clinics are operational across the province, collectively serving approximately four million people.
In addition to this initiative, the Punjab government has also announced plans to establish state-of-the-art cardiology facilities in eight cities, including Mianwali, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Jhelum, Sahiwal, Murree, and Layyah, to further strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
Health experts believe that outsourcing such projects to experienced private organizations can significantly reduce the administrative burden on the government while improving service quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes across the healthcare sector.
