LAHORE, PAKISTAN: A recent study has revealed a disturbing crisis in the province’s healthcare system — a severe shortage of anaesthetists across public hospitals that is directly endangering the lives of patients. Despite a steady stream of trained graduates each year, systemic failures in recruitment, retention, and distribution of specialists have left critical surgical services vulnerable.
The report highlights that while new anaesthetists are produced annually, many are either not absorbed into the public sector or choose to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities. Rural and peripheral hospitals are hit the hardest, often left without any anaesthetist support, while major urban centres struggle with overburdened staff. This imbalance forces delays, unnecessary referrals, and in some cases, life-threatening compromises during surgical procedures.
Adding to the problem are outdated or poorly maintained machines, lack of structured in-service training, and limited oversight of anaesthesia departments. Experts caution that these weaknesses expose patients to higher risks before, during, and after surgeries, especially in smaller hospitals where anaesthetic support is either minimal or absent.
The study further points out that surgical disciplines have expanded significantly over the years, but anaesthesia has not received proportionate investment in trainers, leadership roles, or infrastructure. This has left the specialty overstretched, underrepresented, and struggling to cope with growing demand.
Health experts are urging immediate reforms, including streamlining recruitment, incentivising remote postings, ensuring equipment maintenance, and giving anaesthetists a stronger role in hospital policy-making. Without swift intervention, the shortage will continue to compromise patient safety and deepen the crisis in Punjab’s already strained healthcare system.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.