LRH management to establish pharmacy within facility

Zaman says total capacity of the hospital was around 1,598

PESHAWAR: Keeping in view the problems being faced by relatives of patients, the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) management has decided to establish a pharmacy within the premises of the facility.

“We have decided that a pharmacy will be opened within the hospital premises, enabling patients’ relatives to purchase prescribed medicines in the facility,” LRH Medical Director Dr Mukhtiar Zaman told journalists while addressing a press conference on Tuesday.

He refuted allegations of increasing fees for the outpatient department patients, saying only Rs10 was charged. However, those considered for a longer stay at the hospital in different wards were charged Rs120 and Rs220 for medical and surgical wards, respectively. He said the policy was adopted years ago.

Zaman said total capacity of the hospital was around 1,598 and the management could only accommodate these many patients, while others were referred to health facilities across the province. “We have adopted a one-bed, one-patient policy since we want to concentrate on patient care,” he said.

He maintained the number of patients doubled in 2015 as compared to 2013. The director stated at least 2.3 million patients visited the facility in 2015, while around 0.14 million were admitted for treatment.  He added 450 patients visited the OPD every hour, on a daily basis, and the number was similar at the accident and emergency department.

“You will find over 300 people at the accident and emergency section round-the-clock, but only 6% of the cases are of a serious nature and the rest visited the facility with ordinary complaints,” Zaman told journalists.

He said there were a few out-of-order machines, but the hospital management repaired old ones or purchased new equipment. He maintained parts of some machines were not available in Pakistan and needed to be imported.

“Not even a single patient has been refused or has left the facility without receiving medical assistance. However, there are certain issues that still need to be addressed,” he added. The LRH medical director said tube of the CT scan was out of order and will be repaired within the next seven days.

“Yes, we have arranged an emergency setup and those in need can carry out a CT scan outside the facility. The payment will be made by the hospital as we have signed a contract with a private entity.”

Zaman said, “I care for 19 consultants who have been performing duties for 24 hours and seven days a week without any leave. Even on Eid and other occasions, they come to work and have dedicated their family time to patient care.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2016.