Hospitals barred from retaining bodies over unpaid bills

The Islamabad Health Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has issued a directive requiring hospitals across the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to release deceased patients' bodies immediately, banning the long-standing practice of holding them over unpaid medical bills.

The decision has been widely lauded as a compassionate intervention that brings much-needed relief to grieving families.

For years, families in Islamabad faced the distressing situation of hospitals refusing to release their loved ones' remains until medical bills were fully settled.

This practice, particularly prevalent in private hospitals, often left families scrambling to gather funds while managing funeral arrangements.

The emotional and financial toll was immense, especially for those already burdened by the high costs of prolonged treatments or unexpected deaths.

Haider Ali, a resident of Islamabad, shared his traumatic experience stating "This decision is a blessing for families going through the toughest time of their lives.

I recently lost my father to a sudden heart attack, and we were forced to run around to clear bills before we could bury him. It was heartbreaking. I am relieved to see this change."

Legal experts and medical professionals have also welcomed the directive. Advocate Imran Ali called it a long-overdue reform, stating, "Families are already shattered by loss. Adding the financial burden of 'paying for the body' is inhumane. I hope this rule prevents such exploitation.

Hospitals should not use death as a business transaction."

Medical professionals emphasised the importance of balancing operational costs with compassion.

Professor Dr Nasir Ali, a cardiologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), applauded the IHRA's decision.

"While hospitals must sustain themselves financially, exploiting families in vulnerable moments is unacceptable.

This directive maintains a critical balance between financial sustainability and preserving the deceased's dignity," he said.

He also recommended that hospitals create emergency funds to absorb such costs, noting that deaths, though tragic, are relatively infrequent compared to overall hospital operations.

Dr Nasir further highlighted the unethical practice of withholding death certificates until bills were cleared, calling it contrary to Pakistan's religious, social, and moral values.

In countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, ethical guidelines ensure that hospitals prioritise the dignity of the deceased over financial concerns.

For instance, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) prohibits hospitals from withholding bodies over unpaid bills, with families given the option to settle costs later.

Citizens have hailed the move as a significant step toward a more compassionate healthcare system in Islamabad.