A recent patient feedback survey conducted at select government hospitals in Punjab has revealed that nearly one in four patients expressed dissatisfaction with the availability of medicines, highlighting persistent gaps in drug supplies despite positive assessments of other hospital services.
Survey Findings on Medicine Availability
According to the latest patient feedback survey, 72% of respondents at sub-divisional hospitals (SDHs) and 78% at district hospitals (DHs) confirmed that all prescribed medicines were available at the facilities. This means that 28% of respondents at SDHs and 22% at DHs did not report satisfaction with medicine availability, making it one of the lowest-rated indicators in the survey.
These findings are particularly significant as official stock reports indicate that several drugs on the essential drug list (EDL) are running low across government hospitals. As of June 7, multiple EDL medicines were reported to be in short supply at district and sub-divisional hospitals throughout Punjab.
Hospitals with Highest Medicine Shortages
Among district hospitals, Sangrur reported the highest number of medicines low in stock at 49, followed by Mohali (41), Ferozepur (39), Faridkot (38), and Patiala (37). Among SDHs, Dera Bassi recorded 47 medicines low in stock, followed by Gidderbaha (46), Talwandi Sabo (43), and Phagwara (40).
Positive Feedback on Other Services
While medicine availability received comparatively lower ratings, patients reported high satisfaction with other aspects of healthcare delivery. Hospital cleanliness scored 98% satisfaction at SDHs and 97% at DHs, while X-ray services received 98% satisfaction in both categories. Drinking water and seating arrangements also recorded satisfaction levels exceeding 90% across most surveyed facilities.
The survey findings are scheduled to be discussed at the upcoming civil surgeons' conference. Despite repeated attempts, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh was unavailable for comment.
Government Efforts to Improve Medicine Access
To reduce out-of-pocket expenditure, the Punjab government last year expanded the list of essential medicines available free of cost at its health facilities. Under the revised EDL, district hospitals were allocated 487 essential medicines, up from 276 earlier. The number for SDHs was increased to 362 from 276, for community health centres to 317 from 230, and for primary health centres to 202 from 151.
