KARACHI:
Lahore is one of the largest cities in Pakistan with millions of inhabitants who require many basic facilities. Poor access to healthcare facilities is a major challenge for the residents. The city has several public, private, and semi-private hospitals, but residents often struggle to get adequate support.
Private hospitals are unaffordable for many, which is why most people resort to public hospitals. However, public hospitals lack resources including patient monitors, hospital stretchers, as well as other critical equipment required for surgeries. There is also a shortage of administrative and nursing staff at public hospitals. Doctors and surgeons are forced to attend to many patients at once, which increases the risk of medical malpractice.
The provincial government allocated sufficient funds for public hospitals. Now the relevant authorities need to ensure that these funds are properly utilised instead of being misused by corrupt officials. Besides this, the country is faced with medicine and equipment shortages, which will add to the plight of patients. The federal healthcare department must address this to avoid a large-scale health crisis. Public hospitals across the country should be rehabilitated and equipped with proper equipment and facilities. The lower and middle-income groups should have access to healthcare support that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Mahnoor Jabeen Khan
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2023.
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