Is Pakistan's Mardan Children's Hospital Facing a Funding Crisis?
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Synopsis
A critical shortage of funds is severely impacting operations at Mardan children's hospital in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Officials report that the hospital struggles with inadequate beds and essential services, putting children's health at risk. Urgent government intervention is needed to address this healthcare crisis that affects vulnerable patients.
Key Takeaways
- Severe funding shortages are impacting the Mardan children's hospital.
- Children are sharing beds due to lack of space.
- Urgent government intervention is required to address these issues.
- The hospital was supposed to be operational by 2014 but remains non-functional.
- Healthcare facilities across Sindh are also struggling with basic medical services.
Islamabad, Jan 2 (NationPress) A severe funding crisis has hampered the operations of the Mardan children's hospital located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, as reported by local media on Friday.
Officials informed Dawn that while the outpatient department (OPD) wards are still operational, construction on the primary building meant to offer comprehensive specialized services is ongoing. They emphasized that the project urgently requires government financial support.
Officials highlighted a critical lack of beds, with three to four children suffering from flu and pneumonia sharing a single bed. Occasionally, a shortage of supply oxygen has negatively affected patient care.
In 2011, the government had sanctioned a children’s hospital with a capacity of 200 beds on the grounds of Mardan Medical Complex (MMC), which was expected to open its doors in 2014. Civil work on three floors has been completed, including the installation of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. However, both the 50-bed children's unit and the 45-bed nursery at MMC are overwhelmed with a high influx of patients seeking treatment, according to Pakistan's leading daily, Dawn.
Despite previous changes to the completion timeline, the hospital remains non-operational. Officials assert that the facility requires immediate government intervention as a significant portion of the construction work has been finalized.
In parallel, government hospitals in Hyderabad, Sindh, are facing challenges in delivering even basic healthcare services due to a severe shortage of medicines, diagnostic tools, and functioning medical equipment, primarily attributed to inadequate oversight by health department officials, as reported by local media.
Reports indicate that Civil Hospital Hyderabad and various taluka hospitals in the area lack essential medications. Patients are unable to access routine laboratory tests at taluka facilities due to missing basic machinery, compelling them to seek treatment at private hospitals and laboratories, where they incur hefty charges for preliminary check-ups, as highlighted by another leading Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune.
The crisis has escalated to the point where the trauma center on Hala Naka Road is non-functional, placing additional pressure on Civil Hospital Hyderabad, which is already overwhelmed with patients from across Sindh seeking treatment. However, Civil Hospital itself is suffering from non-operational equipment and insufficient treatment capacities.
At present, Civil Hospital Hyderabad has only one MRI and one CT scan machine that are operational, while other diagnostic devices have remained out of service for several months. The situation at taluka hospitals in Hyderabad is reportedly graver, with facilities like Sindh Government Bhittai Hospital Latifabad, Government Hospital Qasimabad, Kohsar Hospital Latifabad, Government Hospital Pretabad, and Government Hospital Hali Road, along with several basic health units, lacking both testing capabilities and essential medications.
Point of View
It is vital to highlight that the ongoing funding shortages in hospitals like Mardan Children’s Hospital underscore a critical need for governmental support. The health of our children is paramount, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that adequate resources are allocated to these institutions to provide necessary care.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the operational issues at Mardan children's hospital?
The operational challenges are primarily due to insufficient funding, leading to a shortage of beds and essential medical resources.
How many beds are currently available at the hospital?
The hospital is facing a severe shortage of beds, with multiple children often sharing a single bed.
What services are affected by the funding crisis?
The lack of funding has affected the hospital's ability to provide specialized services and adequate patient care, including access to supplemental oxygen.
When was the hospital expected to become operational?
The Mardan children's hospital was expected to open in 2014, but ongoing funding issues have delayed its operations.
What steps are being taken to address the crisis?
Officials are urging the government to provide the necessary funding to complete the hospital's construction and improve healthcare services.
