HFH supply shortages trigger departmental scrutiny

Suppliers owed Rs2.17b; patients reportedly forced to buy medicines from outside hospital

RAWALPINDI:

An alleged shortage of syringes, cannulas, surgical supplies and antibiotics at Holy Family Hospital (HFH) has prompted the Punjab Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department to seek an explanation from the hospital's Medical Superintendent (MS), Dr Ijaz Butt, within 24 hours.

The Secretary of Health Operations has questioned why medical supplies were not transferred between hospitals despite stocks being available at other facilities. The department has also expressed concern over alleged poor planning and mismanagement, warning that departmental action could be initiated against the MS if his response is found unsatisfactory.

The reported shortage has caused difficulties for patients, with complaints that underprivileged people are being forced to purchase expensive medicines and undergo costly tests outside the hospital.

Dr Butt, however, has denied responsibility for the shortage, maintaining that the timely completion of the tendering process was the responsibility of the Health Department in Lahore.

The dispute over the procurement and supply of medical equipment and medicines has brought the hospital administration and the health department into conflict. A decision on further action will be taken after the MS submits his response.

Meanwhile, suppliers of medicines and medical equipment are reportedly owed Rs2.17 billion in outstanding payments by the hospital for supplies made over the past two years. The hospital had sought a budget allocation of Rs1.5b for medicines and medical equipment for the 2026–27 financial year but received only Rs480 million.

The shortfall in funding and the outstanding payments have reportedly made suppliers reluctant to continue providing medicines and medical equipment to the hospital, raising further concerns about the continuity of supplies.