In a significant financial boost, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has released Rs 2.98 billion to alleviate the acute financial challenges faced by its teaching hospitals of the province. The health department revealed that this allocation covers various key medical institutions.
A substantial portion, totaling Rs 653.1 million, has been directed towards the Post Graduate Medical College Hayatabad. Lady Reading Hospital, a prominent healthcare facility in the region, is slated to receive Rs 380 million, while Khyber Teaching Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex will benefit from allocations of Rs 200 million and Rs 190 million, respectively. Additionally, a specific fund of Rs 200 million has been earmarked for Ayub Medical Complex Road.
Despite this crucial financial relief, challenges persist. Mohammad Asim, the spokesperson for Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), one of KP’s largest healthcare establishments, raised a pressing concern.
LRH hospital employees, integral to the healthcare system, are facing the unfortunate situation of not receiving their salaries for the previous month. The allocated fund release of Rs 220 million last month, intended for various hospital needs, fell significantly short of the required Rs 380 million necessary for the monthly wages of the dedicated hospital staff, according to the LRH spokesperson.
As a direct consequence of this financial shortfall, LRH hospital has been compelled to suspend the provision of free medicines to patients, extending beyond emergency cases.
This measure underscores the severity of the financial strain faced by these critical healthcare institutions and emphasizes the urgent need for sustained financial support to KP teaching hospitals to ensure the seamless delivery of healthcare services to the citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
