A government-run medical institution in Peshawar has reportedly given a child suffering from kidney disease an appointment scheduled five years from now, raising serious concerns about lengthy waiting lists and access to treatment in public hospitals.
Despite the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s claims of healthcare reforms and improved medical services, the incident has highlighted the challenges faced by patients seeking specialist care.
According to sources, the parents of the child were informed by the hospital that the required treatment or medical procedure would only be available after a five-year wait. The family said that illness cannot wait, describing such a prolonged delay as unbearable for any patient and their loved ones.
Medical experts note that early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical in kidney disease, and a delay of several years could have serious consequences for a patient’s health.
The situation also reflects the shortage of specialized medical centers, healthcare professionals, and facilities in the province. If a child has to wait five years for treatment, it is not just an individual case but a question over the performance and capacity of the public healthcare system.
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