Court Orders Punjab to End Parchi System in All Govt Hospitals

The Lahore High Court recently mandated the Punjab government to discontinue the traditional parchi (registration slip) system in every public-sector hospital located within the province. The order, issued by Justice Malik Javid Iqbal Wains at a hearing, requires patients to receive medical care without requiring registration slips or enduring lengthy queues at hospital counters.

The issue was brought forth by a public interest petition that demanded the enforcement of citizens' fundamental rights to life and adequate healthcare. The petition also advocated for the implementation of rulings from higher courts regarding the provision of essential medical facilities in government hospitals. During the hearing, it was disclosed that the Punjab Health Department intended to roll out a modern, technology-based patient management system.

This proposed mechanism is designed to expedite treatment for emergency patients and outpatient care while simultaneously eliminating superfluous delays. The judge instructed the relevant authorities to comply with the promise made by Special Secretary (Health) Nabila Irfan and also ordered the department to submit a comprehensive compliance report during the subsequent hearing.

This report is expected to include documentary evidence demonstrating the steps taken to replace the current registration process with a more patient-friendly system. Additionally, the court has requested comprehensive responses from all parties involved in the case.