Struggle for Healthcare in Pakistan

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: In the early hours of the first day of 2024, a poignant scene unfolded on the streets of Pakistan, encapsulating the relentless struggle of three generations seeking medical treatment. Fragile and weathered, this family, older than the nation itself, embarked on a journey, a quest for healthcare that has remained unaltered for decades.

Once reliant on donkeys and horses, their mode of transportation has evolved into a delivery van. Yet, life has only grown more arduous for them. Huddled together, the elderly patriarch, supported by his aged wife, and their grandchildren embarked on a journey to a government hospital, the bastion of healthcare for many in Pakistan.

The corridors of government hospitals echo with tales of horror—organ theft, blood bag pilferage, and an atmosphere tainted by malevolence. Innocent blood has been spilled within these walls, and the perpetrators have seldom faced justice.

Recent memories of the Doctor Hospital Episode, where patients suffered while egos remained inflated, linger as a stark reminder of the challenges faced within the healthcare system.

Read More:https://thepenpk.com/two-girls-one-struggle/

Captured on an early morning commute, the photograph reveals the stark reality of how the state operates and treats its subjects under the unforgiving sun. The influenza vaccine is reportedly absent from the market, and not long ago, a scarcity of basic painkillers plagued those in search of relief from dengue.

Adding to the distress, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), entrusted with ensuring drug laws, witnessed its chief executive arrested on charges of a fake PhD. and corruption. While the dismissal and legal actions are noteworthy, the broader question remains unanswered—what investigations were conducted into decisions impacting millions during his tenure, and has the state sought restitution?

Amidst these challenges, the disheartening reality persists—individuals resorting to paying human smugglers to escape Pakistan. The tragic consequence of these journeys, resulting in hundreds of lives lost, should serve as a deafening alarm.

The unanswered queries persist—did the old man make it to the hospital? Not all roads in Pakistan are accessible to commoners; traversing them often leads to being labeled ‘a person of interest’ or facing accusations of ‘suspicious behavior,’ potentially resulting in incarceration for unsatisfactory answers.

This narrative of desperation transcends generations, and its echoes should resonate with policymakers, urging them to confront the systemic issues that perpetuate such struggles in the realm of healthcare.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.

Photo Credit:Asem Mustafa Awan