KARACHI:
Pakistan’s poor public healthcare system has become a major challenge for low and middle-income families. Most government hospitals across the country lack doctors, nurses, and administrative staff. Despite the abundance of medical graduates, many important positions remain vacant in hospitals. Perhaps, the relevant authorities should revisit their policies on recruiting staff in public hospitals.
The few public hospitals that are operational are overcrowded. Hospitals frequently run out of critical equipment and medicines. They are unable to accommodate patients and have unhygienic conditions. The Covid pandemic followed by the floods and recent medicine shortages have amplified challenges for the healthcare sector. Many hospitals have run out of beds and ambulances. In addition, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists have been accused of hoarding medicines and raising prices arbitrarily.
The Ministry of National Health Services needs to acknowledge the plight of the patients and the deteriorating situation of the healthcare sector and facilitate it urgently. Public hospitals in remote and far-flung areas should be equipped with basic facilities. Hospitals in urban areas should be allocated sufficient resources. The government must improve healthcare facilities to ensure a safe and healthy life for everyone.
Aiman Chaudhary
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, March 28th, 2023.
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