Punjab government has officially banned the use of mobile phones during duty hours in all public hospitals across the province. The measure aims to improve patient care and reduce disruptions in medical services.
According to a notification from the Department of Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education, hospital staff below BPS-18 are prohibited from using mobile phones in clinical and service delivery areas. This includes wards, ICUs, NICUs, and operation theatres. Recording of audio or video using mobile phones is also strictly forbidden.
Officials explained that the ban was imposed after noticing frequent interruptions in hospital services due to staff using mobile phones for personal purposes. Staff assigned to purely administrative roles are allowed limited phone use for official tasks only.
Alongside the phone ban, the department has introduced stricter surveillance measures to enhance accountability and prevent theft, especially in hospital pharmacies. CCTV cameras will be installed at pharmacy stores and medicine dispensing counters. Pharmacy staff will also be required to wear body-worn cameras during duty.
The notification specifies that body cameras must be active during stock receipt, issuance, and reconciliation. Security guards at pharmacy areas, as well as internal and external hospital entry points, are also required to wear body cameras.
All CCTV and body camera footage must be preserved for at least 30 days and monitored through a central control room under authorized administrative and security supervision.
Medical superintendents have been directed to ensure the proper functioning of all surveillance equipment, while chief pharmacists and security officers must strictly enforce the new rules.
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The move marks a significant step by the Punjab government to ensure that hospital staff remain focused on patient care and service delivery, while minimizing distractions caused by mobile phones.
