KP Government
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a significant increase in the hospital slip fee at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) in Peshawar, one of the province’s largest public healthcare facilities.
The hospital’s slip fee, which was previously Rs20, has now been raised to Rs50. This increase of Rs30 applies to both the emergency and outpatient department (OPD) slip fees and was officially approved by the hospital’s Board of Governors.
Muhammad Asim, the spokesperson for Lady Reading Hospital, justified the fee hike by explaining that such measures are essential for maintaining the hospital’s operational efficiency.
“These kinds of decisions are necessary to keep the hospital running,” he said, pointing to the rising costs associated with providing medical services and maintaining the hospital’s infrastructure.
Asim further highlighted that, despite the increase in fees, the hospital is still facing financial challenges. To manage costs, the hospital has had to take stringent measures, including cutting back on various operational expenses.
Additionally, the purchase of new machinery and medical equipment has been put on hold. The spokesperson noted that these budgetary adjustments are critical for the hospital’s financial sustainability, especially given the rising costs of healthcare in the province.
The decision to raise the fee has drawn attention from the public, as Lady Reading Hospital serves a large portion of the population, particularly low-income individuals who rely on public healthcare facilities for affordable treatment.
While the increased slip fee may seem minimal, it could add up for patients requiring frequent visits to the hospital, leading to concerns about accessibility and affordability of healthcare services for the underprivileged.
Despite these concerns, the hospital’s administration believes that the fee hike is a necessary step to ensure that the hospital continues to function smoothly.
In recent years, public hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have struggled with limited resources, aging infrastructure, and increasing patient loads.
The provincial government has been working to improve healthcare facilities, but financial constraints remain a significant challenge.
In conclusion, the decision to raise the emergency and OPD slip fee at Lady Reading Hospital reflects broader efforts to address the financial challenges facing public healthcare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
While necessary for the hospital’s operations, the fee hike may also impact patients who depend on affordable healthcare services, prompting calls for further improvements in public healthcare funding and management.
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