Punjab’s government hospitals are facing a severe shortage of life-saving cancer medicines, affecting around 6,000 registered patients. Essential drugs for blood cancer and long-term treatments are unavailable. Families report being forced toward costly private purchases they cannot afford.
The scarcity has disrupted regular therapy schedules, causing serious concerns among doctors and patient attendants. Hospitals in Lahore and other districts report stockouts of frontline drugs like Ruxolitinib for blood cancer. Everolimus, used for kidney and breast cancer, is also missing. Doctors warn patients risk rapid deterioration without timely treatment.
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Although Nilotinib procurement was approved earlier, supplies have not reached hospitals. Many patients are confused and anxious as there is no clarity on when medicines will be restocked. Low-income patients who rely entirely on government hospitals are most affected, some even skipping doses or splitting medicines to stretch them.
Health officials note that free cancer drug supply was introduced during former Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure. It allowed thousands of blood cancer patients to continue therapy without financial burden. However, the current shortage has raised fears that this support system is collapsing, leaving vulnerable patients at risk.
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Patients, families, and doctors have urged the Punjab government to urgently address the crisis. Immediate replenishment of essential drugs is critical to prevent treatment interruptions and worsening patient outcomes. Authorities must ensure continuous medicine supply to safeguard lives and public trust in healthcare.