The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has written to the Health Services Director General in the province regarding the unavailability of essential medicines and directed him to submit an immediate report on this matter of public interest besides ensuring the best healthcare facilities to the general public.

The letter said there had been incidents of shortage of medicines in various hospitals, Rural Health Centres (RHCs) and Basic Health Units (BHUs) and that the treatment of patients had been compromised as a result.

In the letter, all concerned quarters have been instructed to resolve the matter of the shortage and inconsistent availability of essential medicines at various hospitals, RHCs and BHUs within the province.

The letter also said such shortages could have severe consequences for patient care and could lead to compromised treatment outcomes besides placing both patients and healthcare providers under a great deal of stress.

Meanwhile, Adviser to the CM on Health Dr Riaz Anwar, while taking serious note of the issue, has directed to ensure the availability of all essential medicines at all health facilities of the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2023.