The concept of franchised clinics is new in Pakistan. In the best health interest of the public IHS has taken the initiative to establish clinics with standardized services thus ensuring delivery of health services that meet certain minimum standards.

The main functions of IHS franchise Clinics are:

1. Delivery of quality & standardized primary healthcare services.

2. Ensure availability of primary healthcare services in the clinic's drainage area.

3. Emphasize prevention including up to date vaccinations and health education.

4. Standardize charges thus making it affordable for every one.

5. Eliminating quackery & unethical practices.

6. Integrating available resources to the benefit of the patients.

7. Reducing the hassle associated with seeking healthcare.

8. Saving the time of patients.

9. Ensuring availability of 24 hr. on-call emergency care.

The following set of services are provided through the franchised clinics:

1. 9 to 9 GP (Family Physician) consultation.

2. Availability of Pediatrician, Gynecologist and a Medical Specialist at specific hours (usually in the afternoon and evening)

3. 24 hr. telephone medical helpline.

4. Facility for ECG & Ultrasound.

5. Standby Ambulance.

6. Laboratory services including collection of lab samples for all lab tests besides on the spot facility for blood CP (by hematology analyzer), all kit based tests like grouping, pregnancy, urine R/E, Blood Glucose, Hepatitis B & C, etc.

7. House call services of doctors & medics in the drainage area.

8. Facilitation of appointments with specialists and hospital admissions.

9. Maintenance of medical files of each registered family/individual.

The first franchise clinic was opened in Islamabad's sector I-8 in early 2007. More such clinics are planned to be opened in Islamabad and other cities in near future. As per our immediate plans clinics would be opened in the following areas of Islamabad & Rawalpindi:

• Sector F-11

• Sector F-6

• Chaklala Scheme III

• Bhara Kahu

All initial setups being established are fully owned by IHS Pakistan. However later IHS plans to allow other practitioners to open its franchised clinics if they meet the minimum standards set forth. Objective is to eventually cover all of Pakistan through such setups providing basic minimal primary healthcare facilities of a high standard.