Punjab to expand digital patient referral system across province

LAHORE, Jun 01 (APP): Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique on Monday chaired a meeting at King Edward Medical University (KEMU) to review the performance of a newly developed digital patient referral system, with plans to expand the initiative across Punjab in phases.

The meeting was attended by KEMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mahmood Ayaz, Mayo Hospital Chief Operating Officer Dr Abdul Madabar Rehan, Registrar Prof Ali Madih Hashmi, Prof Imran, Director Medical Education Prof Abrar Ashraf Ali, Prof Ameer Afzal, Director IT Tariq Irfan, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Director Nosheen Fayyaz and other senior officials.

Participants were given a detailed briefing on the patient referral system developed by KEMU. A presentation based on data of patients referred from Mayo Hospital to other healthcare facilities highlighted patient flow, digital tracking mechanisms and the overall performance of the system.

Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique praised the initiative, describing it as an effective, transparent and modern healthcare solution. He said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had directed that the scope of the system be expanded to hospitals across Punjab in a phased manner.

The minister said the referral system would play a key role in promoting transparency, improving coordination among healthcare institutions and enabling data-driven decision-making in the health sector. He also directed officials to further strengthen the system and continue inter-institutional cooperation to ensure timely and quality medical care for patients.

KEMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mahmood Ayaz said the digital referral system marked a significant step towards better patient guidance, timely referrals and greater transparency in healthcare services. He added that efforts would continue to further enhance and expand the system in the coming months.