The healthcare facilities in Rawalpindi are nearing a complete inability to provide free medications for patients amid escalating financial difficulties faced by the Punjab Health Department. Reports indicate that critical funds necessary for operations have not been released, leading to a potential crisis in public health. Authorities have failed to allocate sufficient resources, jeopardising the continued availability of essential medications.

Holy Family Hospital (HFH), Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH), and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital (RTC) collectively requested a budget of PKR 4.5 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26. However, only PKR 2.5 billion has been disbursed by the Punjab government, with the remaining PKR 2 billion promised for May 2026 yet to be provided. This has resulted in vendors declining to supply additional medicines without prior payments.

An official from HFH expressed that despite a request for PKR 1.5 billion for essential drugs, the hospital was allocated a mere PKR 400 million. BBH and RTC faced similar reductions, receiving PKR 380 million and PKR 250 million respectively, well below their demands. As a result, these hospitals are expected to run out of medicines after June 30, unless further funds are made available.

Funding Crisis Impacts Patient Care

The consequences of the funding crisis have significant implications for patient care at these hospitals. HFH, BBH, and RTC had previously assured free medicine provisions to outdoor, indoor, emergency, and admitted patients, relying on the promised budget. The shortfall in funding will likely contribute to a public outcry, reflecting the broader governance failures within the healthcare system.

Dr Ijaz Butt, the Medical Superintendent of HFH, confirmed that the hospital is facing a significant deficit of PKR 900 million regarding medication for patients. This financial burden has escalated due to the finance department’s failure to release the promised funds by May, indicating deep-rooted issues within the financial management of the health services.

Impending Deterioration in Supply Chain

BBH also reported similar challenges, with Medical Superintendent Dr Sharjeel highlighting the crucial need for over PKR 1 billion that has yet to be disbursed. He noted that although they managed to procure some medicines for the current fiscal year, the outlook for the next period is bleak, posing a substantial risk to patient care.

The prevailing financial situation has prompted vendors and distributors to insist on clearing all outstanding dues before the end of the fiscal year in June. This insistence could severely disrupt the supply chain, making it increasingly difficult for hospitals to maintain adequate levels of medication for patients.

As this healthcare crisis unfolds, it underscores the pressing necessity for systemic reforms in how healthcare funding is administered in Pakistan. The situation demands immediate attention to ensure that hospitals can continue to serve their patient populations without further interruption in services.

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