KARACHI:
The ongoing economic issues have resulted in a range of problems in different sectors. The healthcare department is suffering from equipment and medicine shortages due to the non-issuance of Letters of Credit (LCs) to importers importing raw materials and other medical equipment. This has intensified problems in the healthcare sector, which was already struggling to support and treat patients adequately.
Shortages of prescription drugs and critical equipment have raised risks for patients with chronic illnesses. Middle and low-income patients are left at the mercy of God as they cannot afford to buy costly alternative medicines or seek treatment at private hospitals. Many health officials had warned the government of the looming health crisis, but the relevant departments did not pay attention to the problem.
The Ministry of Health must urge the Drug Regulation Authority of Pakistan to fulfil procedural work so that the stalled imports are released. It must also ensure that critical imports are allowed to save thousands of lives and prevent the healthcare system from collapsing.
Muhammad Azwar
Rajanpur
Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2023.
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