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

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious threat to Pakistan’s health system, causing an estimated 300,000 deaths annually. Weak surveillance, overuse of antibiotics, and poor coordination across human and animal health systems have worsened the crisis.

While tertiary-level laboratories contribute AMR data to the national GLASS system, most district and tehsil hospitals under H&PD lack trained staff, microbiology capacity, and WHONET reporting mechanisms. The absence of linkages with the National Institute of Health (NIH) limits Pakistan’s compliance with IHR (2005) and NAPHS (2024–28).

This TA aims to strengthen AMR detection, enhance WHONET-based reporting, and institutionalise AMR data utilisation and stewardship across Punjab’s secondary healthcare network.

Objectives

• Strengthen AMR detection and reporting in selected H&PD laboratories.

• Build institutional capacity for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and infection prevention and control (IPC).

• Facilitate integration with NIH/GLASS and improve AMR data use for policy and practice.

Scope of Work and Methodology

1. Phase 1 – Inception & Baseline: Stakeholder consultations, facility mapping, and site assessments.

2. Phase 2 – Capacity Building & Integration: Modular training on AMR testing, WHONET use, and AMS/IPC protocols.

3. Phase 3 – Reporting & Sustainability: Documentation, coordination with NIH, and final report preparation.

Deliverables

1. Inception Report and Slide Deck (including baseline assessment report).

2. Training and Mentorship Package (SOPs, training materials, WHONET manuals).

3. Monthly Progress Reports.

4. Final Technical Report with sustainability recommendations.

Microbiologist / Laboratory Systems Specialist (Mid National)

• LOE: 180 days (subject to change)

• Period: Nov-25 to May-26

Role Requirements
Lead on-site assessment of microbiology capacity, readiness for AMR detection, and SOP development. Conduct training and hands-on mentoring on culture, AST, and GMP compliance. Coordinate with the WHONET Data Specialist to validate AMR data and ensure compliance with NIH and WHO protocols.

Technical Expertise
Postgraduate qualification in Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Technology, or related field. Minimum 10 years’ overall experience in microbiology, AMR detection, or lab systems management. Demonstrated expertise in culture, identification, and AST per NIH/WHO/CLSI standards. Proven ability in developing SOPs and mentoring lab personnel.

Core Competencies
Technical mentoring; SOP development; Diagnostic troubleshooting; Communication and coordination; Commitment to quality improvement.

Deliverables
Same as overall TA deliverables.