Pakistan, March 12 -- A severe medicine shortage at Bahawal Victoria Hospital in South Punjab has left patients without essential free medications. Many traveling from remote areas are struggling to afford costly medicines from private pharmacies. The outpatient department (OPD) is also affected, with 52 essential medicines missing, including antibiotics, cough syrups, and children's laxatives.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Aamir Bukhari revealed that the shortage is due to insufficient funds. The hospital requested Rs1.25 billion for medicines but received only Rs530 million. Over 60% of the budget was spent on oxygen and dialysis disposables, leaving no funds for free medicines. This crisis has worsened, with pending payments of Rs630 mil...