Pakistan’s District Headquarters (DHQ) hospitals are facing critical shortages in essential medicines, qualified staff, and operational facilities, putting patient care at serious risk.

In Punjab, more than 30 government hospitals—including DHQ facilities—recently received a funding boost of Rs 3.59 billion to address medicine shortages. Major hospitals like King Edward Medical University, Jinnah Hospital, and DHQ Sargodha have been allocated funds to restore drug supplies and alleviate patient suffering. Yet despite this support, many DHQ hospitals across the province still report dangerously low stock levels of life-saving medications, with some stock falling below 40 percent of required levels.

Staff shortages have compounded these issues. DHQ hospitals continue to struggle with high absenteeism among medical officers and a lack of specialist doctors, especially during evening and night shifts. In Peshawar, authorities highlighted widespread absenteeism and directed hospitals to implement biometric attendance systems, establish anti-harassment committees, and expand ICU capacity. Similarly, the DHQ Hospital in Wana has faced a breakdown of services due to unpaid salaries, prompting staff protests and threatening suspension of all non-emergency services.

Patients in some regions have experienced dire consequences. At Okara DHQ, only 1,000 insulin vials are available for over 3,600 diabetic patients—a four-month supply that is insufficient, compromised by breakdowns in cooling and administration. Across rural and district hospitals, essential services such as emergency and dialysis centers are operating under severe strain.

Experts emphasize that boosting supply chains and funding is just one part of the solution. Improving staff retention, introducing fair attendance systems, ensuring timely salary payments, and upgrading infrastructure—including ICUs, diagnostic labs, and emergency units—are equally essential.

These shortages expose deep-rooted weaknesses in healthcare delivery. Sustained investment and stringent oversight are urgently needed to restore functionality and trust in DHQ hospitals, safeguarding access to quality healthcare for millions across Pakistan.