ISLAMABAD – A healthcare horror rocked Pakistani capital as Shifa International Hospital is accused of charging Rs700,000 to keep a dead body against Rs100,000 per day for an entire week.
The shocking revelations were made during a fiery session of National Assembly’s Subcommittee on Health, leaving lawmakers and citizens stunned. Available information suggests the patient had already breathed his last at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences PIMS, and was later moved to Shifa where he received no major treatment, but for what critics are calling a week-long profit scheme off the deceased.
SIHL refutes allegations
Amid viral buzz and outrage, Shifa International Hospitals Limited (SIHL) rejected allegations that it charged Rs. 700,000 for storing a deceased patient’s body for seven days. The hospital labeled the claims as baseless and misleading.
In a press statement, SIHL said the accusations lacked any factual basis and criticized media outlets for spreading unverified information. The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to ethical and lawful medical practices and urged responsible journalism moving forward.
Social media erupted, with several activist, journalists and expressing outrage over what many called corporate cannibalism in the name of healthcare. In response, the Health Subcommittee summoned all private hospital representatives to appear on July 9. Lawmakers promised a full-blown investigation and pushed for strict penalties if Shifa’s actions are proven.
“This isn’t healthcare — this is grave-level greed,” said one furious citizen online. “What’s next? Charging rent for corpses?” With public anger boiling over, all eyes are now on the July 9 hearing — a day that may mark a turning point in Pakistan’s private healthcare regulation.
Two years back, then President Alvi directed Shifa International Hospital to refund Rs2.9 million to the daughter of a deceased patient, after medical negligence was confirmed. He upheld Rs9Lac fine on the hospital.
The decision came after former President rejected IHRA’s appeal against the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s order, raising questions art the authority for inconsistent treatment compared to a similar past case.
Punjab begins probe into medicines theft at Lahore General Hospital
