Punjab teaching hospitals have 1,785 ventilators, LHC told

LAHORE: The Punjab Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department told the Lahore High Court on Tuesday that teaching hospitals across the province currently have 1,785 ventilators, while work has been initiated to procure another 500 ICU ventilators in the financial year 2025-26.

The information was placed before the court in a progress report submitted by the department’s special secretary in a case related to medical infrastructure and the management of infectious diseases. The report was filed in connection with a writ petition moved by the Judicial Activism Panel.

The department also informed the court that it was expanding critical care facilities. 200 ICU ventilators procured during 2025 had already been distributed among different tertiary care hospitals.

Report also covers mpox situation

The department’s submission also included details about the mpox situation in Punjab. The initial cases were linked to international travellers, but cautioned that the pattern was shifting towards local transmission.

100 suspected cases, including 34 confirmed cases, were reported during 2025. 94 suspected cases and 48 confirmed cases had been documented this year.

According to the department, the disease is mainly spreading through close physical contact in crowded settings.

Petitioner raises concerns over ventilator numbers

During the hearing, Advocate Azhar Siddique, representing the petitioner, argued that the figures submitted by the government showed the number of ventilators was below the minimum standards set by the World Health Organisation.

He also contended that the statistics presented by the health department should be physically verified through a committee appointed by the court.

After hearing the matter, Justice Malik Awais Khalid adjourned proceedings until April 23 for further arguments.

The case remains pending before the Lahore High Court, where further arguments are expected at the next hearing.