LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered government hospitals in Punjab to end the slip system within four weeks, directing authorities to ensure that patients can receive treatment without first obtaining registration slips.
Justice Malik Javed Iqbal Wains issued the order while hearing a petition about the lack of facilities in government hospitals.
The court said patients visiting emergency departments and outpatient departments (OPDs) should receive medical attention without unnecessary delays. It directed hospitals to spare patients the trouble of getting registration slips and standing in long queues before seeing a doctor.
During the hearing, the Special Secretary for Health told the court that the department would introduce a better system to make the treatment process easier and more efficient. He assured the court that the slip system would be abolished within four weeks.
The court also sought a detailed report on the availability of medical facilities in government hospitals. It observed that the failure to implement its earlier orders showed a lack of seriousness and negligence on the part of the concerned authorities.
The court directed the relevant officials to implement its orders within four weeks, warning that those responsible could face action if they failed to comply without a valid reason.
Further proceedings in the case were adjourned for six weeks.
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