Three major government hospitals in Rawalpindi have accumulated outstanding liabilities of Rs2.2 billion to medicine suppliers, raising concerns over the sustainability of free healthcare services, according to reports.
The shortage has emerged despite the Punjab government’s policy of providing free medicines to patients in emergency departments, outpatient clinics, and hospital wards.
Hospitals have warned that delays and partial release of funds are affecting the supply chain, as pharmaceutical vendors grow increasingly reluctant to provide medicines, disposable medical items, and medical gases on credit.
During the final week of May, the provincial government released Rs60 million for Holy Family Hospital, Rs50 million for Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, and Rs20 million for Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital. However, these allocations fall significantly short of the hospitals’ outstanding dues.
Holy Family Hospital alone owes around Rs900 million to suppliers, while Benazir Bhutto General Hospital has liabilities of Rs850 million, and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital owes Rs270 million.
For the financial year 2025-26, Holy Family Hospital requested Rs1.5 billion for medicines and related supplies but received Rs400 million.
Similarly, Benazir Bhutto General Hospital sought Rs1.5 billion but was allocated Rs380 million, while Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital requested Rs800 million and received Rs230 million.
Together, the three hospitals handle more than 10,000 patients daily in emergency and outpatient departments, placing significant pressure on already limited resources.
The combined bed capacity of 2,580 further highlights the strain on the healthcare system, with limited availability for new admissions.
Officials noted that the hospitals serve not only Rawalpindi but also patients from Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, increasing the burden on healthcare infrastructure across the region.
The growing financial gap between allocated budgets and actual medical needs has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of free treatment services if funding issues are not addressed.
