LAHORE: The Punjab Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department (SHC&ME) game-changing agreement with Pakistan Post to deliver medicines to cardiac and cancer patients, saving the province approximately Rs1.7 billion annually.
This cost-effective solution, launched in May 2024 by the chief minister, replaces the previous delivery provider, a private courier company which charged significantly higher rates. According to the document of new agreement obtained by The News, Pakistan Post will deliver medicines at a rate of Rs315 per parcel (up to 1Kg), covering urban, rural, and remote areas. This rate includes all packing, transportation, insurance, all applicable taxes and duties. The shift from courier company’s higher charges of up to Rs1,750 per parcel(up to 1Kg) will result in considerable savings. For urban areas, the cost will drop from Rs975 per parcel (up to 1Kg to Rs315 per parcel (up to 1Kg), and for remote areas, from Rs1750 per kg to Rs315.
Pakistan Post will be paid Rs91.86 million for the delivery of parcel of medicine against 2,91,623 for urban area patients and Rs19.90 million for the delivery of medicines against 63,205 for remote area patients.
The financial savings are significant as the total cost for delivering medicines to 354,828 registered patients will fall from Rs2.37 billion to Rs670.56 million for six deliveries annually. The agreement will cover 7 cardiac and 5 cancer hospitals, expanding access to essential medicines for patients. The agreement also extends the reach of the service, ensuring that both urban and remote areas are covered, including rural locations that previously faced logistical challenges.
The service includes safe and secure packing, insurance for medicines, and a live tracking dashboard to monitor deliveries in real-time. This initiative will not only improve accessibility but also enhance the transparency and efficiency of healthcare delivery in Punjab. Another important feature of this agreement is that the payment will only be made to the Pakistan Post once the parcel is delivered.
The contract was approved by the provincial cabinet in December 2024 and finalised on January 14, 2025, marking a new chapter in the province’s commitment to affordable and accessible healthcare for all.