A feedback report prepared by the Chief Minister’s Special Monitoring Unit (SMU) revealed that 36 percent of patients did not receive free medicines, while 31 percent said doctors failed to treat them properly.
The findings point to a clear decline in service standards at public sector teaching hospitals. The SMU said it collects patient feedback through outbound calls to assess service delivery, using data provided by the teaching hospitals department across Punjab.
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Out of 1,976 patients contacted, 719 complained about the non-availability of free medicines and 622 reported poor treatment by duty doctors. This highlights growing frustration among patients relying on government hospitals for care.
Mayo Hospital Lahore recorded the highest number of complaints related to doctors’ non-cooperation, with 54 patients reporting issues. It was followed by Nishtar Hospital Multan with 52 complaints and Children’s Hospital Lahore with 48.
Other hospitals with high complaint numbers included Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan, Jinnah Hospital Lahore, Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital, and Punjab Institute of Cardiology.
The SMU submitted the “Patient Feedback Report on Tertiary Care Hospitals of Punjab” to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Copies were also sent to the Punjab health minister and health secretary, calling for action against negligent staff.
The report also highlighted rude staff behaviour, long waiting times, and bribery. “A detailed report outlining the corrective measures and action taken should be submitted to the SMU,” the document stated.
Regarding free medicines, Mayo Hospital Lahore again topped the list, with 94 patients saying they were forced to buy medicines from private pharmacies. Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan followed with 75 complaints.
Multiple grievances were also reported, with Mayo Hospital receiving 191 total complaints, Children’s Hospital Lahore 156, and Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan 154.
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Other issues included unavailability of beds, rude behaviour by allied staff and security guards, delayed surgeries and tests, denial of admissions, bribe demands, and faulty equipment.
The report shows deep-rooted problems in Punjab’s public hospitals. Lack of free medicines and poor behaviour hurt patient trust. Strong monitoring and quick action are needed to improve care and restore confidence in government healthcare.
