WEB DESK: The Islamabad Health Regulatory Authority has issued new policy directives requiring hospitals in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to release the body of a deceased patient immediately, regardless of any pending medical bills.
This has been an effort to release people from the agony of withholding mortuary procedures over nonpayment and has often proved emotional and financial drain on family members during their mourning period.
For years, it forced families to pay the whole medical bill in advance before the burial of their loved ones. Such high advance charges were primarily collected in private hospitals. The Board of IHRA highlighted that all hospitals must adhere to patients’ rights and ethical standards that don’t allow them to withhold the body.
The consensus on the directive has been overwhelming. Among them were citizens who had fallen victim to such situations and now express great relief. “This decision is a blessing for families going through the toughest time of their lives,” said Haider Ali, an Islamabad resident. He recounted the tale of how he lost his father and had been made to pay hospital bills before he could live with his remains.
The move has also been applauded by legal experts. This, as Advocate Imran Ali reported, was “long overdue,” emphasizing that households already going through traumatic experiences shouldn’t have to suffer extra from financial exploitation.
Supporters of the decision include medics like Dr Nasir Ali, who practices cardiology under PIMS; he asserted that the dignity of the dead should affect sustainability financially.
This policy is based on international practices of countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, where hospitals put ethical considerations above financial gains.
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