A countrywide shortage of IV contrast media injection used for various CT scans is badly affecting healthcare delivery to hapless patients, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
The ongoing economic crisis in Pakistan has badly hit the healthcare system where patients have been struggling for essential medicines.
The patients going for CT-Scan are running from pillar to post for the IV contrast injections but to no avail. They are bound to purchase it against a hefty amount in the black market.
The shortage has caused health facilities of the provincial capital city to postpone a bulk of CT scans and subsequently surgeries that require the use of contrast to prioritize those patients who need it most urgently, such as those who have sustained trauma or patients with suspected clots, strokes, etc.
The drug regulatory authority seems to have failed to address the vital issue related to millions of people.
The health experts opined that due to a number of critical factors, including the refusal of commercial banks to issue new LCs on account of a shortage of US dollars, the economic crisis has also not spared drug companies that are struggling to maintain stocks of essential life-saving drugs crucial to keep many alive.
A survey conducted by the 24NewsHD TV channel said the actual cost of a Urografin (20 ml) injection is a few hundred rupees, but the patients are forced to buy it up to Rs 12000.
Its substitute like ultravist injection also disappeared from the market causing immense problems for the patients and their families.
The hospitals feel difficulty in performing CT scan tests due to the unavailability of contrast injections. Poor patients are unable to afford expensive contrast injections.
The patients asked the government to take notice of the shortage of the injection and its sale in the black market.
They appealed to the Health Department and Drug Regulatory Authority to react immediately to control the situation.
Reporter: Zahid Chaudhry