PESHAWAR — In a major move to protect citizens from “unbridled” medical costs, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued a final 120-day ultimatum to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to ensure uniform rates across all laboratories, hospitals, and private clinics.
A bench comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal disposed of a petition by Advocate Saifullah Muhib Kakakhel, who argued that despite a 2019 court order, private medical facilities continue to “fleece” patients with exorbitant and inconsistent fees.
The Legal Bottleneck: 2019 to 2026
The case highlights a multi-year struggle to regulate the provincial healthcare market:
- The 2019 Ruling: The PHC originally directed the KP Health Care Commission (HCC) to fix service rates for both public and private sectors within three months.
- The Recent Progress: Government officials informed the court that while rates for public sector laboratories were notified on November 20, 2025, private sector regulation has been stalled.
- The Cabinet Delay: The Additional Advocate General stated that while the Health Department has finalized the proposal, it is currently awaiting a final nod from the provincial cabinet.
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Why the Court Intervened
The court’s directive aims to balance the operational costs of medical providers with the public’s right to affordable care.
| Issue | Court Observation / Petitioner Argument |
| Exorbitant Rates | Private labs are reportedly charging “unbridled fees” for basic tests like CBC and Dengue markers. |
| Transparency | The petition demands that all clinics and hospitals be legally required to display rate lists in visible areas. |
| Institutional Reluctance | The petitioner alleged that the government has been “reluctant” to implement standardized rates due to the influence of large private hospital groups. |
| New Legislation | The government revealed it is drafting a new comprehensive law to specifically regulate the powers of the HCC regarding price adjudication. |
The “120-Day” Clock
The court has granted the government 120 working days to finalize the legislative amendments and notify the uniform rate structure.
- Liberty to Re-agitate: If the grievance is not redressed within this stipulated time, the petitioner is permitted to file a fresh application for contempt or enforcement.
- Guideline for Rates: The court reiterated that while rates can vary based on equipment and location, they must be “commensurate with the quality of services” and cannot be left entirely to the discretion of the providers.
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