E4H Punjab TOR – Capacity Building of Punjab Prison Hospitals to Achieve MSDS Compliance and PHC Licensing

Programme Overview

Evidence for Health (E4H) is a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)-funded programme aimed at strengthening Pakistan's healthcare system, thereby decreasing the burden of illness and saving lives. E4H (2023–2027) provides technical assistance (TA) to Punjab, Federal, and KP governments, implemented by Palladium in partnership with Oxford Policy Management (OPM).

Through its flexible, embedded, and demand-driven model, E4H supports governments to achieve a resilient health system that is prepared for emergencies, responsive to evidence, and delivers equitable, quality, and efficient healthcare services. Specifically, E4H delivers TA across three outputs:

• Output 1: Strengthened governance and institutional capacity for integrated health and population services.

• Output 2: Strengthened evidence-based decision-making for accountability and performance.

• Output 3: Improved implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Background and Problem Statement

The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHCC) regulates all public and private healthcare establishments (HCEs) under the PHC Act 2010 through the enforcement of Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS).

Following the transfer of 45 prison hospitals to the Health & Population Department (H&PD), significant compliance gaps were observed in infection control, staff capacity, and quality assurance mechanisms. Only a small number of facilities are currently eligible for PHC licensing.

This TA will build institutional capacity across Punjab’s prison hospitals to achieve MSDS compliance and PHC licensing readiness, contributing to equitable and safe healthcare delivery for inmates.

Objectives

• Strengthen staff capacity and awareness of MSDS standards.
• Develop compliance improvement plans and training modules.
• Facilitate inter-departmental coordination with PHCC, H&PD, and the Prisons Department.
• Conduct mock inspections and recommend institutional mechanisms for sustained compliance.

Scope of Work and Methodology

1. Phase 1 – Inception & Coordination: Planning meetings, review of departmental assessments, finalisation of inception report and work plan.
2. Phase 2 – Capacity Building: Develop/adapt MSDS implementation toolkits and deliver two 3-day Training of Trainers (ToTs) for QA staff.
3. Phase 3 – Monitoring & Handholding: Conduct on-site mentoring and mock inspections; assist in designing a compliance dashboard.
4. Phase 4 – Reporting & Institutionalisation: Prepare a final technical report and sustainability roadmap for H&PD and PHCC.

Deliverables

1. Inception Report & Work Plan.
2. Training Report with participant evaluations and learning outcomes.
3. Final Technical Report with mock inspection findings and institutionalisation recommendations.

Senior Quality & Compliance Expert (Health Systems – Senior National)

• LOE: 60 days (subject to change)
• Period: Nov-25 to May-26

Role Requirements

Provide overall technical leadership for MSDS compliance and PHC licensing readiness. Lead coordination with H&PD, PHCC, and the Prisons Department; ensure alignment with E4H quality frameworks and oversee all deliverables.

Technical Expertise

Postgraduate qualification in Public Health, Health Systems Management, Healthcare Quality, or related discipline (MBBS, MPH, MHM, MHA, MSc Quality Assurance, etc.). Minimum of 15 years’ overall experience. Experience in health systems strengthening, quality assurance, healthcare regulation, or hospital management. Demonstrated leadership in MSDS implementation, quality improvement, or licensing readiness with PHCC or similar bodies. Proven coordination experience with government departments, and familiarity with IPC standards, facility audits, and quality dashboards.

Core Competencies

Strategic leadership; Work planning; Results-based management; Analytical and presentation skills; Stakeholder coordination; Team mentoring; MSDS and PHC licensing knowledge.

Deliverables

Same as overall TA deliverables.