Punjab Hospitals: 1 in 4 Patients Unhappy With Medicine Availability

A recent patient feedback survey conducted at government hospitals across Punjab has highlighted concerns regarding medicine availability. The findings indicate that approximately 25% of surveyed patients expressed dissatisfaction with the availability of medicines at these facilities.

Official stock reports corroborate these patient experiences, showing a significant number of essential drugs were low in stock as of June 7. District hospitals in Sangrur and Mohali, along with sub-divisional hospitals like Dera Bassi and Gidderbaha, reported the highest counts of medicines with low stock levels.

Despite these drug supply challenges, the survey revealed high patient satisfaction with most other hospital services. Cleanliness, X-ray services, drinking water, and seating arrangements all received satisfaction ratings above 90%. These findings underscore a dichotomy between medicine accessibility and the overall quality of patient care.

These critical survey results are scheduled for discussion at the forthcoming civil surgeons' conference. The Punjab government had previously expanded its list of free essential medicines to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for patients, increasing allocations across various hospital tiers.