LAHORE – The Punjab government on Saturday decided to install body cameras on security guards, ward boys, nurses and pharmacy staff in public sector hospitals while also imposing a ban on the use of mobile phones by doctors during duty hours.
The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where the progress of various health sector projects was reviewed.
The meeting agreed to strictly prohibit the use of mobile phones by doctors and other medical staff during duty hours in government hospitals. It was also decided that body cameras would be introduced for hospital security guards, ward boys, nurses and pharmacy staff to ensure transparency and accountability.
The chief minister approved the procurement of Chinese-manufactured modern medical equipment to upgrade public hospitals. The meeting also decided that salary increases in government hospitals would be linked strictly to performance.
Expressing concern over medicine availability, CM Maryam said that Rs80 billion were being allocated for medicines, yet shortages persisted, which she termed “incomprehensible”.
She stressed that public money and time would not be wasted, adding that incompetent and negligent staff would be sent home.
