Punjab govt hospitals to abolish ‘parchi’ system within four weeks, LHC told

LAHORE, Oct 30 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) has been informed that the Punjab government will abolish the existing ‘parchi’ (registration slip) system in all government hospitals across the province within four weeks to ensure prompt medical attention to patients without unnecessary delays and long queues.

Special Secretary (Health) Nabila Irfan gave the undertaking before Justice Malik Javid Iqbal Wains during the hearing of a public interest petition filed by Judicial Activism Panel seeking enforcement of fundamental rights and provision of basic healthcare facilities in government hospitals, on Friday.

She assured the court that patients visiting public-sector hospitals, including those requiring emergency treatment and outpatient services, would no longer be required to obtain registration slips from designated counters before receiving medical attention.

The court was further informed that the Punjab Health Department would introduce a modern, technology-based patient management system to streamline medical examinations and treatment and eliminate unnecessary delays, inconvenience and overcrowding at hospital counters.

The court expressed serious concern over the failure of the respondents to submit compliance reports despite repeated notices and specific directions issued since the petition was filed in 2020.

The court observed that the persistent failure to comply with court orders reflected a casual and indifferent attitude on the part of the authorities towards their statutory and constitutional obligations.

The court noted that the petition sought enforcement of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 4 and 9 of the Constitution, along with implementation of superior courts’ judgments regarding the provision of essential healthcare facilities to the public.

The Special Secretary (Health), appearing on behalf of the Secretary of the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, sought further time to submit a comprehensive report on the availability, adequacy and standard of healthcare facilities in government hospitals across Punjab.

Accepting her undertaking, the court directed the authorities to ensure implementation of the promised reforms within four weeks and submit a detailed compliance report, supported by documentary evidence, at the next hearing.

All respondents were also directed to submit comprehensive reports addressing the grievances raised in the petition and outlining measures taken to ensure the availability of essential healthcare facilities in public hospitals.

The court warned that any further unjustified failure to comply with its directions would be viewed seriously and could lead to proceedings against the responsible officials in accordance with law.

The court adjourned further proceedings for six weeks.