Doctors leave LRH for greener pastures

Lack of funds renders Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa healthcare system in a shambles

PESHAWAR:

The healthcare system in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is grappling with a crisis, primarily stemming from a severe financial crunch. This predicament has triggered a disheartening trend, as senior doctors are abandoning their positions in public sector hospitals, seeking more promising opportunities elsewhere.

Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), the largest healthcare facility in the province, has borne the brunt of this exodus. Officials told The Express Tribune a troubling uncertainty surrounding the healthcare system due to a lack of funds, the suspension of health cards, and a critical shortage of essential medicines. The situation has prompted a growing number of senior doctors, especially those with international qualifications from the UK, US, and Ireland, to resign and move abroad.

Over the past three months, heads of vital departments, including the intensive care unit (ICU) and pediatric surgery, have tendered their resignations. The departure of these experienced professionals leaves critical departments in disarray, adversely affecting patient care.

Adding to the financial strain, the insurance company ceased a payment of Rs2 billion to LRH under the Insaf Sehat Card category after the government failed to release funds to the company. LRH also faces outstanding payments of Rs600 million to various pharmacies for procured medicines. Although the government recently released funds to hospitals, including LRH, the amounts were insufficient, primarily covering staff salaries.

Read K-P hospitals, colleges get funding boost

These challenges have led to a discouraging atmosphere for both patients and senior doctors in the province, with many opting to move abroad or seek opportunities outside the region. Dr. Tariq Sohail, the only cardiac surgeon for children in the province, recently left for Saudi Arabia. Dr. Tahir Muhammad, a cancer specialist, resigned and joined Al-Shifa Islamabad. Dr. Obaidullah, who returned to Peshawar from the USA as the head of pediatric surgery, also resigned, along with Dr. Luqman, the head of the ICU.

The impact is not limited to these individuals; even consultants in the ICU are contemplating leaving their positions. The exodus of experienced doctors from these crucial departments is severely affecting patient care, amplifying the challenges already faced by the healthcare system.

Late payments to doctors and the unavailability of medicines and essential items further contribute to the prevailing discouragement among healthcare professionals. The spokesperson of LRH, Asim, mentioned that the board of governors approved the recruitment against vacant posts, intending to hire new doctors urgently.

 

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2023.