Punjab orders emergency contingency plans in all govt hospitals

LAHORE: The Punjab Health Department has put an emergency contingency plan into effect across all government hospitals in the province, directing health facilities to remain prepared for any situation requiring an urgent medical response.

The instructions have taken effect immediately and will remain in place until further orders. The department has ordered that emergency departments in all government hospitals stay fully operational around the clock.

The measures also require operation theatres and radiology departments to function on a 24/7 basis so that patients arriving at any time can receive immediate medical attention. The move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted emergency care in public sector hospitals across Punjab.

Round-the-clock emergency readiness

Under the contingency plan, hospitals have been told to complete all necessary arrangements for trauma care and surgical emergencies. The Health Department has also directed hospital administrations to ensure the constant availability of specialist doctors, nursing staff and paramedical personnel.

As part of the instructions, the presence of a physician, a surgeon and an orthopaedic surgeon has been made mandatory. The department has said these specialists must be available so that hospitals can respond quickly to patients requiring urgent treatment.

The emergency plan places particular emphasis on maintaining staffing and service readiness at all times. By requiring key departments and specialist personnel to remain available throughout the day and night, the Health Department has sought to strengthen the capacity of government hospitals to handle emergency cases without delay.

Supplies and medicines to be maintained

Hospitals have also been instructed to build up stocks of essential medicines and medical supplies. These include intravenous fluids, oral rehydration salts, antibiotics, fever-reducing medicines and surgical items.

The department’s directions are intended to prevent shortages of medicines and supplies during any emergency situation. Every hospital has been told to ensure that these items are available in sufficient quantity so that patient care is not disrupted.

The contingency plan applies to all government hospitals in Punjab and remains effective immediately, with the Health Department making clear that the arrangements will continue unless new instructions are issued.