Medical Costs in Islamabad Rise Sharply — Treatment Becomes Costlier

Residents of Islamabad are grappling with a steep rise in healthcare costs, as prices for essential medical equipment and diagnostic kits have surged dramatically across the capital. This development has added significant strain to an already overburdened healthcare system, leaving many citizens concerned about affordability and access.

The price hike affects a wide range of medical devices used in daily healthcare. For instance, wheelchair prices have doubled, rising from Rs9,000 to Rs18,000. Crutch sticks, once available for Rs700-1,600, are now being sold for Rs2,500-4,000. Similarly, glucose meters, previously priced between Rs500-1,000, now cost Rs2,000-2,500.

Even basic tools like stethoscopes have seen a significant price increase, jumping from Rs500-700 to Rs2,000-3,000. Blood pressure machines, which were once obtainable for Rs1,500-2,800, are now listed between Rs4,500-6,000. The most alarming rise is in chemistry analyzers, where prices have soared from Rs200,000-300,000 to Rs600,000-700,000.

In addition to equipment, diagnostic test costs have risen sharply. Tests such as Liver Function Test (LFT) and Renal Function Test (RFT), which previously cost around Rs300, now range from Rs700 to Rs1,100.

Other essential test kits have not been spared—thyroid test kits have increased from Rs1,000 to Rs3,000, and fertility test kits now cost Rs5,000, up from Rs1,200.

This spike in medical expenses is creating new challenges for Islamabad’s residents, especially those from low and middle-income households, as they struggle to afford both routine and emergency healthcare.