Balochistan Hospitals Face Medicine Shortage Amid Healthcare Crisis

In Balochistan, Pakistan, government hospitals have been struggling without essential medicines for over seven months, worsening the healthcare crisis in the province. Despite a directive from the Chief Minister of Balochistan two weeks ago to secure an immediate supply, the health department has been unable to meet the demand, leaving hospitals without critical medications.

Medicine shortages have persisted since April, even though the provincial government allocated PKR 2 billion for medical procurement this fiscal year. Nearly six months have passed, but hospital stocks remain empty, affecting both patients and medical staff. Emergency supplies, including basic items like bandages, are also unavailable in government hospitals.

Citizens have expressed frustration over severe shortages in Quetta’s primary government hospitals’ emergency departments. Conditions have worsened in Outpatient Departments (OPDs) as well, with many patients reporting unsatisfactory treatment and staff behavior, adding to the hardships for those in need of medical care.

Residents allege that much of the limited supply of medicines is being redirected to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) facilities, which are run by the military within secure cantonment areas. These hospitals are often far from civilian centers, limiting access for the public, especially low-income citizens. Patients from lower-income backgrounds face additional hurdles, as access to CMH facilities is restricted by strict security protocols enforced by the Pakistan Army in Balochistan. Treatment costs at these facilities are also high, making them unaffordable for many in the province.

The ongoing redirection of essential medicines to CMH facilities has worsened the artificial shortage in public hospitals, leaving regular citizens without basic healthcare resources. As the crisis continues, citizens and healthcare advocates are urging immediate action to address the critical healthcare needs in Balochistan.