A severe shortage of funds now stops free cancer treatment at three major teaching hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Poor patients who rely on the cashless programme suddenly face long delays for essential medicines. Doctors warn that the situation could prove fatal for many. This is because life-saving drugs cost far more than most families can afford.
Hospitals Struggle as Drug Stocks Run Dry
Hayatabad Medical Complex, Khyber Teaching Hospital and Ayub Teaching Hospital all report critical shortages. More than 1,000 registered patients wait for their next doses. At Ayub Teaching Hospital, doctors treated 347 patients with free drugs since August 2025. Supplies have almost run out. Khyber Teaching Hospital alone lists 623 patients who still need medicines. Overall, the programme has helped more than 10,000 cancer patients since it started. Blood cancer cure rates reached 85 percent and overall rates around 70 percent. As a result, oncologists fear that stopping free medication will lead to many preventable deaths.
Officials Rush to Release Funds and Switch to Sehat Card
Health Secretary Shahidullah Khan says he stays in constant touch with the planning and development department. This is to release the missing money. The government was supposed to provide Rs1,500 million for the current financial year. It has released only Rs820 million so far. This leaves a gap of Rs680 million. Moreover, hospital directors at Hayatabad and Khyber have already sent urgent requests. They expect funds to arrive soon. Khyber Teaching Hospital also plans to shift patients to the Sehat Card Plus scheme. This is so treatment can resume without further delay.
The health department promises quick action. Patients and their families grow more anxious every day. Doctors urge the government to act fast before more lives slip away.
