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by Hina Durrani
ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP):Rising costs of diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy and colonoscopy at private healthcare facilities are placing a heavy financial burden on families in the federal capital.
A senior gastroenterologist at a government hospital in an interveiw with APP, acknowledged that private hospitals and clinics, unlike public-sector institutions, do not receive government support and therefore bear higher operational costs, which partly explains their higher charges.
He claimed a small number of doctors prescribe unnecessary diagnostic tests—even for minor gastro-related complaints—including endoscopy and colonoscopy. According to him, some patients are then referred to private laboratories for personal financial gain.
He stressed that such individuals must be identified and punished, however, that the majority of doctors strictly follow medical ethics and remain sincere and committed to their profession.
The gastroenterologist further emphasized that when certain diagnostic facilities are unavailable at government hospitals, physicians should refrain from entering into profit-driven arrangements with private laboratories. Instead, he said, doctors should encourage private labs to offer discounted rates to patients to provide some relief.
He underlined that doctors must remain professional, honest, and motivated by the spirit of serving humanity rather than commercial interests.
The specialist urged the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) and the relevant ministry to take effective measures to regulate healthcare costs by setting upper limits on diagnostic test charges.
He also suggested that patients themselves should be sensitized to consult specialists who follow proper medical protocols, including taking detailed patient history, conducting thorough clinical examinations, ordering necessary investigations only, and then prescribing appropriate treatment.
Zubair, a visitor at a private laboratory in the Blue Area, told APP that he had visited the lab to collect reports of gastro-related tests. He expressed dissatisfaction over the rising rates of laboratory investigations and urged the relevant authorities and the health ministry to intervene by regulating prices and ensuring transparency in laboratory charges to provide relief to the public.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA), in an interview with APP, said that IHRA is actively engaged in improving healthcare regulatory mechanism, including the introduction of controlled rates for medical services and laboratory tests, with the objective of providing maximum relief to the public.
He stated that the IHRA Board of Authority, is focusing on strengthening healthcare standards and ensuring improved facilities across all public and private hospitals in the ICT. These initiatives aim to curb unethical practices and protect patients from overcharging.
To achieve such objectives, IHRA has so far registered 1,780 healthcare establishments (HCEs). As the next phase, the licensing process of HCEs is set to commence, for which 610 applications are currently under initial scrutiny.
The CEO further informed that IHRA has already directed all HCEs to prominently display price lists of medical/ pathological tests and consultation fees at their premises as well as on their official websites to ensure transparency. He warned that strict action would be taken against violators, including heavy fines, cancellation of Registration, and, in serious cases, sealing of HCEs.
Regarding public complaints related to negligence and unsatisfactory care provided by the HCEs, he said that IHRA is making best possible efforts for effective grievance redressal. According to data, 145 complaints have been received, out of which 108 have been resolved, while 37 complaints are under process.
Highlighting major milestones, the CEO said that on November 5, 2025, IHRA issued directives to all HCEs in the ICT, strictly prohibiting the retention of dead bodies of deceased patients on account of unpaid medical bills.
He added that another directive, issued on July 28, 2025, instructing all hospitals, laboratories, and sample collection centers conducting Dengue tests, including NS-1, IgG, and IgM (ELISA), to charge a maximum of PKR 1,500 per test till December 31, 2025 with a caution that non-compliance may result in fines, deregistration, suspension of services, or sealing of premises under the IHRA Act, 2018 and relevant regulations.
He also disclosed that, for the convenience of residents of ICT and adjoining areas, the development and implementation of a mobile application is underway. The app will provide real-time information on the availability of emergency services and hospital appointments, helping to ensure timely, swift, and reliable access to medical care.
He further said that work on broader price control mechanisms for laboratory tests and medical services is in progress, and the public can expect positive developments upon completion of the process.
The CEO reaffirmed that IHRA, with the full support of the government, is committed to addressing public grievances and ensuring affordable and quality healthcare for the masses.