The Punjab government has announced wide-ranging reforms for public hospitals across the province, aimed at improving healthcare quality, eliminating inefficiencies, and ensuring timely treatment for patients.
Chairing a high-level meeting on health sector reforms, Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed authorities to transform government hospitals into fully functional, complaint-free, and patient-focused institutions. The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing health projects and outlined new measures to improve service delivery.
Key Decisions for Punjab’s Public Hospitals
The chief minister ordered the preparation of a new and updated list of medicines for government hospitals and directed the formation of a special committee to oversee procurement. She emphasized that every patient must receive international-standard medicines on time, without shortages or delays.
To improve discipline and focus during duty hours, it was agreed that doctors and nurses will face restrictions on mobile phone usage while on duty. Additionally, a daily steam cleaning routine has been mandated for all government hospitals, to be completed by 9:00 am every day.
In a major step toward accountability, the government has given in-principle approval to equip security guards, ward boys, nurses, and pharmacy staff with body cameras. This move aims to improve transparency and address public complaints effectively.
Modern Equipment and Accountability Measures
The Punjab government has also agreed to allow the procurement of modern Chinese-manufactured medical equipment to upgrade hospital facilities. Maryam Nawaz took strict notice of complaints against private security companies and guards deployed at hospitals and ordered immediate corrective action.
A foolproof system for medicine distribution has been ordered to ensure that every patient receives prescribed medicines directly and on time. Hospitals demonstrating outstanding performance will be rewarded, while underperforming staff will face consequences.
The government has also decided to establish an MS Pool and link salary increases strictly to performance-based evaluations.
Monitoring, Data, and Community Oversight
Community Health Inspectors will now be assigned hospital survey responsibilities to monitor on-ground conditions. Additionally, the chief minister ordered the establishment of a Data Analysis Center to assess the effectiveness of public welfare initiatives in the health sector.
Progress and Ongoing Health Initiatives
Officials informed the meeting that:
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More than 2,500 doctors have been recruited in Punjab in less than two years
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585,000 patients are registered for home delivery of cardiac medicines
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6,000 hepatitis and tuberculosis patients are receiving medicines at their doorsteps
Maryam Nawaz questioned how medicine shortages could still exist despite allocating Rs. 80 billion for medicines, calling the situation unacceptable. She stated that public money and time will no longer be wasted, and warned that inefficient and negligent staff will be removed.
The reforms are aimed at restoring public trust in government hospitals and ensuring dignified, timely, and quality healthcare for every citizen in Punjab.
