Punjab Healthcare in Shambles: Free Medicines and Tests Vanish from Govt Hospitals, Leaving Patients to Fend for Themselves

Lahore (Daily Pakistan Online) A crisis is unfolding in government hospitals across Punjab, including Lahore, as patients are being denied free medicines and tests. The situation has left many helpless, with relatives forced to purchase expensive medicines from private medical stores and patients compelled to undergo tests at costly laboratories.

According to patients and their families, government hospitals are only providing free consultations with doctors, while medicines and tests are no longer available. Mayo Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Faisal Maqsood attributed the shortage to the contractor’s decision to halt medicine supplies due to non-payment. Dr. Maqsood suggested that patients should be grateful for the existing facilities.

Punjab Health Minister Salman Rafique revealed that audits are being conducted in hospitals, uncovering a Rs 14 crore scam at Gangaram Hospital. Rafique assured that funds will be allocated once the audit is complete. However, patients and their relatives are demanding that the government take concrete actions to address the medicine shortage, rather than simply making promises.

It is worth noting that the Punjab government has initiatives like the Sehat Sahulat Card, which provides free treatment facilities to people in need. Additionally, organizations like the Punjab Bait-ul-Maal offer financial assistance for medical treatment to deserving patients. However, the current crisis highlights the need for more effective implementation of these initiatives.