The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Punjab government to end the long queues for registration slips at government hospitals.
The court has given the authorities four weeks to improve the system and also provide better facilities to the patients.
Justice Malik Javed Iqbal Wains expressed anger over the poor hospital system.
He directed the government to improve public healthcare services and make treatment easier for patients.
The order was issued during the hearing of a petition filed six years ago. The petition raised concerns about the availability of facilities at government hospitals.
The court directed the authorities to submit a detailed report on the steps taken before the next hearing.
What will happen if the orders are not followed?
The court also warned that contempt of court proceedings could be started against officials if they failed to follow its orders.
What changes has the health department promised?
Assistant Advocate General Barrister Raja Hashim appeared before the court on behalf of the Punjab government. Special Secretary Health Nabeela Irfan also attended the hearing.
The Special Secretary Health told the court that patients visiting emergency departments and OPDs would no longer have to stand in long queues to get registration slips or receive medical care.
She said that the government would introduce a modern and technology-based patient management system.
She added that the health department would also work to reduce unnecessary paperwork and administrative steps that delay medical treatment.
Punjab issues warning over fake Dydrogesterone 10mg
Separately, Punjab drug control authorities have issued an alert about a fake batch of Dydrogesterone 10mg. It is a hormonal medicine. Patients have been advised to avoid using the affected batch.
According to a public notice issued by the Punjab government, the Punjab Drug Testing Laboratory confirmed that the medicine was counterfeit.
Following the findings, the Provincial Quality Control Board directed officials to issue an immediate public alert.
The notice identified the fake medicine as Dydrogesterone 10mg with batch number DQ-010 and an expiry date of November 2027.
The medicine carries the name of Merck Pharmaceuticals, Karachi, as its manufacturer. However, the notice stated that the company mentioned on the packaging is fictitious.
