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Hospital on Brink: 18 Depts Report Zero Admissions
17 Jul
Summary
- 18 out of 36 hospital departments had zero admissions in June 2026.
- Patient safety, governance, and finances have significantly deteriorated.
- Senior faculty's focus on private practice contributes to the decline.
Shaikh Zayed Hospital (SZH), Lahore, a major federal teaching institute, is nearing closure due to a severe deterioration in services, governance, and safety.
Last month, June 2026, saw a staggering 54.2% drop in in-patient admissions, with 18 out of 36 departments admitting no patients at all. Even critical units like ICUs, including cardio thoracic and haemodialysis, reported zero admissions.
This decline is attributed to senior faculty's reduced presence, prioritizing private practice, and internal political conflicts. Issues like the frequent unavailability of essential lab tests and a shortage of vital medicines further compromise patient care and trust.
The discontinuation of the Sehat Sahulat Programme and pending reimbursements of approximately 1,500 cases have severely impacted the hospital's revenue and operational sustainability.
Recent efforts by Chairperson Prof. Dr. Ayesha Humayun aim to reform clinical governance through audits. While some facilities have been restored, the indoor bed occupancy has only increased to 59% so far, highlighting the long road to recovery after a decade of decline.
