Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Punjab government to eliminate the traditional Parchi System from public hospitals within four weeks, aiming to make medical services more accessible to patients.
The order requires the provincial authorities to simplify hospital registration procedures so patients can receive medical attention without unnecessary delays caused by collecting registration slips and standing in long queues.
Justice Malik Javid Iqbal Wains issued the directions while hearing a public interest petition concerning citizens’ fundamental rights to healthcare and essential medical facilities.
During the proceedings, the court examined difficulties faced by patients at government hospitals and stressed the need to improve access to medical treatment.
The petition also called for the implementation of previous superior court judgments relating to healthcare services and patients’ fundamental rights.
Under the court’s directions, the Punjab government must take practical measures to replace the existing registration procedure with a more convenient system. The objective is to reduce administrative hurdles and ensure patients can access medical facilities more efficiently.
During the hearing, representatives informed the court that the Punjab Health Department was planning to introduce a technology-based patient management system across government hospitals.
The proposed digital system is intended to modernize registration procedures, improve patient record management and reduce delays at public healthcare facilities.
It is also expected to support more efficient handling of patients visiting outpatient departments and those requiring emergency medical attention.
However, officials have not provided complete details about the proposed technology, its launch schedule or the hospitals where it will initially be introduced.
The court also directed the relevant authorities to fulfill an undertaking submitted by Special Secretary Health Nabila Irfan.
Justice Malik Javid Iqbal Wains instructed the Punjab Health Department to submit a detailed compliance report at the next hearing. The report must explain the steps taken to implement the court’s directions and include documentary evidence of the measures introduced.
The court further sought comprehensive responses from the parties involved in the proceedings to assess progress on the matter.
The proposed removal of the Parchi System could change how patients access treatment at government hospitals throughout Punjab.
If implemented effectively, the new arrangements could reduce registration-related waiting times and make hospital services easier to access, particularly for patients requiring urgent medical attention.
The shift towards technology-based patient management may also help hospitals maintain records and organize patient flow more efficiently.
However, the success of the initiative will depend on the provincial government’s implementation strategy and the availability of suitable facilities across public hospitals.
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The Punjab government has been given four weeks to comply with the Lahore High Court’s directive, while the Health Department must present evidence of progress before the court at the next hearing.
