RAWALPINDI, October 24: A reported shortage of syringes, cannulas, surgical supplies and antibiotics at Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi has prompted the Punjab Health Department to seek an explanation from the hospital administration within 24 hours.
The shortage of essential medical supplies has reportedly created difficulties for patients, with complaints that some are being forced to purchase medicines and undergo expensive medical tests outside the government hospital. The issue has also triggered a disagreement between health authorities and hospital management over responsibility for procurement delays.
According to reports, the Punjab Health Department has taken notice of the situation and directed Holy Family Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Ijaz Butt to submit a written explanation within 24 hours.
Health Department questions medical supply management
The Secretary of Health Operations questioned why the hospital administration had not arranged the transfer of available medical supplies from other hospitals to address the shortage.
Health authorities expressed concern over alleged poor planning and administrative mismanagement, particularly the failure to maintain adequate stocks of essential medical equipment and medicines.
The department indicated that disciplinary proceedings could be initiated against the medical superintendent if his explanation was found unsatisfactory.
The reported shortage includes basic medical items routinely required for patient treatment, such as syringes and cannulas, along with surgical materials and antibiotics.
Patients report difficulties accessing treatment
The shortage has raised concerns about the availability of essential healthcare services at Holy Family Hospital, one of Rawalpindi’s major public-sector medical facilities.
Patients have reportedly faced difficulties obtaining necessary medical supplies, while complaints have emerged that financially disadvantaged patients are being asked to purchase medicines from private pharmacies and pay for tests outside the hospital.
Such additional expenses can place a financial burden on patients who depend on public hospitals for affordable medical care.
The reported problems have also raised questions about the hospital’s inventory management and coordination with provincial health authorities.
Medical superintendent disputes responsibility
Responding to the allegations, Medical Superintendent Dr Ijaz Butt denied responsibility for the shortage, saying the timely completion of procurement tenders was the responsibility of the Punjab Health Department in Lahore.
He maintained that delays in the tendering process had affected the availability of medical supplies at the hospital.
His position differs from that of the provincial health authorities, who have questioned the hospital administration’s planning and its failure to arrange supplies from other facilities.
The disagreement has brought attention to the division of responsibilities between hospital management and the provincial department in procuring and distributing medical equipment.
Further action awaits hospital administration’s response
The Punjab Health Department is expected to decide its next course of action after reviewing the medical superintendent’s explanation.
The department has warned that an unsatisfactory response could lead to disciplinary action over the alleged mismanagement of essential supplies.
Meanwhile, the reported shortage remains a concern for patients requiring medicines, surgical materials and routine medical procedures at Holy Family Hospital.
No confirmed timeline for restoring the affected supplies has been announced in the information available.