Patients at JPMC forced to get medical tests done at private labs
KARACHI: Patients seeking treatment at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), one of Karachi’s largest public hospitals, have reported being compelled to undergo medical tests at private laboratories — sparking serious concerns about the availability of diagnostic services at the facility.
Several patients have alleged that doctors are prescribing tests from outside labs instead of utilizing in-house diagnostic facilities. Even basic tests such as Complete Blood Count (CBC) and routine diagnostics are being referred to private providers, putting additional pressure on patients who visit JPMC in search of affordable healthcare.
One patient shared that a single test cost them Rs. 3,000 at a private facility. “Doctors here tell us to get tests done from outside labs,” the patient said, pointing out the growing burden on low-income families who rely on JPMC for free treatment.
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Healthcare activists and civil society members are calling for an urgent inquiry to determine why essential diagnostics are not being provided within JPMC. Experts emphasize that ensuring affordable access to diagnostic tests is crucial for timely treatment and patient care, particularly in a public-sector hospital that caters to thousands of patients daily.
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This situation highlights the need for improved transparency, adequate resources, and administrative oversight to ensure that public healthcare facilities fulfill their role in providing accessible medical services to all.
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