The Islamabad Health Regulatory Authority instructed hospitals on Sunday in the Islamabad Capital Territory to “immediately” release deceased patients’ bodies, prohibiting the practice of withholding them over unpaid medical bills.

For years, families of deceased patients in Islamabad faced the distressing situation of hospitals refusing to release the body until all medical bills were paid.

Many families, already burdened by medical costs and grief, were forced to settle bills upfront before receiving the body. The issue was particularly common in private hospitals, which often charged high advance fees.

Many citizens said when patients passed unexpectedly or after prolonged illnesses, families struggled to gather the funds, risking delays in burying their loved ones.

They said the directives from IHRA’s newly appointed board have brought “immense relief” to the people, with many taking to social media and public forums to voice their gratitude.

Haider Ali, an Islamabad resident, shared his experience, “This decision is a blessing for families going through the toughest time of their lives.”

He said: “I recently lost my father to a sudden heart attack, and I was forced to run from pillar to post to pay bills before we could bury him. It was traumatic. I am so relieved to see this change.”

Advocate Imran Ali described the decision as “long overdue”. He hoped that the new rule would help prevent exploitation. “Hospitals shouldn’t use death as a business transaction.”