Lahore High Court Orders Abolition of Traditional Token System in Punjab Government Hospitals Within Four Weeks
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has ordered the Punjab government to abolish the traditional token-based registration system in all government hospitals across the province and introduce a modern, technology-based patient registration mechanism within four weeks.
Justice Javed Iqbal Wains issued the written order while hearing a petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel, directing the provincial government to eliminate the existing system within four weeks and submit a compliance report to the court.
The court observed that patients visiting government hospitals should be relieved of the inconvenience of obtaining registration slips at counters and standing in long queues before receiving medical treatment.
It directed the authorities to take effective measures to ensure that emergency and outpatient department (OPD) patients receive immediate medical attention without having to go through the traditional token procedure. The court emphasised that no patient’s treatment should be delayed because of registration formalities.
In its written order, the court stressed the need to introduce a modern patient registration system using digital technology in all government hospitals across Punjab.
The court said hospitals should have an efficient mechanism that minimises unnecessary waiting times and administrative difficulties for patients.
The Lahore High Court also sought a comprehensive report from the Punjab government regarding the availability of basic healthcare facilities in public hospitals.
The relevant authorities have been directed to ensure practical and effective measures for abolishing the traditional token system and making the initial stages of patient registration and treatment easier.
The court warned that action could be taken against the concerned officials in case of non-compliance with its orders.
Justice Javed Iqbal Wains granted the Punjab government four weeks to implement the directives and submit a report detailing the abolition of the token system and the introduction of the new registration mechanism.
