An acute shortage of anti-allergy vaccines at the National Institute of Health (NIH) has caused widespread difficulties for thousands of patients across the country, 24NewsHD TV reported on Saturday.
Sources said the crisis has forced 1,200 to 1,500 patients to return without vaccination every day due to the non-availability of allergy doses at the NIH Allergy Centre.
Although the laboratory produces around 300,000 vials annually and has the capacity to further increase production to meet nationwide demand, it is currently failing to meet patients’ needs for reasons that remain unclear, insiders said.
The shortage is also causing an estimated daily financial loss of Rs 1.2 to 1.5 million to the institution.
The situation has raised serious concerns regarding the continuity of essential allergy treatment services nationwide.
The NIH Allergy Centre has long been known for offering Pakistan’s most affordable allergy tests and vaccines, previously available for around Rs 1,000.
Patients from all over the country rely on the centre for diagnosis and treatment, with a 10ml vaccine vial sufficient for up to three months of therapy, officials added.
Reporter: Babar Shehzad Turk