LAHORE: The Punjab Health and Population Department has imposed a province-wide ban on the use of mobile phones by hospital staff working in emergency departments during duty hours, citing the need to improve patient care and professional conduct.
Under the directive, the restriction applies to all medical, paramedical, and support staff in emergency departments of DHQ and THQ hospitals operating under the department’s administrative control. Officials said the decision takes effect immediately and is aimed at ensuring responsiveness during critical medical situations.
Scope of the ban and exceptions
According to the official notification, staff members are prohibited from using personal mobile phones while on emergency duty. However, in cases of extreme necessity related to official responsibilities or emergency communication, staff have been instructed to use designated landline numbers available within emergency departments.
The department stated that the measure is intended to minimize distractions, maintain discipline, and ensure uninterrupted attention to patients requiring urgent medical care.
Implementation and disciplinary action
Medical Superintendents have been directed to circulate the instructions among all relevant staff, oversee strict implementation, and take appropriate disciplinary action in cases of non-compliance. Copies of the notification were also shared with senior health officials, including the Director General Health Services Punjab, for information and necessary action.
Health department officials emphasized that the directive must be followed in “true letter and spirit” to support efficient emergency services across public hospitals in the province.
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