Polyclinic dispensaries: No funds means no free medicines

Rs570m demanded from the CADD; medicine stock to deplete in a few weeks, say officials.

ISLAMABAD:

Given the lack of funds with the Polyclinic Hospital, its chances of providing medicines free of charge to patients look slim.

According to hospital officials, who requested to remain anonymous, the hospital administration has demanded Rs570 million from the Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) to pay for medicines, and salaries of over 150 training medical officers and nurses deputed at the 32 dispensaries set up across the city.

The officials noted that the hospital receives around 6,000 patients in its out-patient department daily, of these around 530 are then admitted in wards. They said given the substantial number of patients, the stored medicines available for the dispensaries will last no more than a few weeks.

The officials said that the hospital buys medicines from local chemists on credit, but as it has not cleared its dues, the chemists have refused to continue the supply.

In addition to the dispensaries at its premises, Polyclinic operates dispensaries in the Parliament House, Prime Minister House, President House, Member National Assembly Hostels, and one in each sector of the capital. Parliamentarians and their families also avail medicines free-of-charge from these dispensaries.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Polyclinic Executive Director Dr Shaukat Kiani said the hospital faces financial constraints every year; however, this year the crunch is severe due to the rise in the price of medicines. He assured that even if the hospital does not receive the additional grant, it will remain operational. However, the patients will be required to buy their medicines on their own, he added.

Despite repeated attempts, CADD Secretary Imtiaz Inayat Elahi could not be reached for comments.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2012.