ISLAMABAD: Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Punjab government to ensure the provision of free medical facilities to practicing lawyers and their dependents, emphasizing their role in the administration of justice.

The ruling, issued by Justice Jawad Hassan came in response to a petition filed by Advocate Adnan Mughal, who alleged mistreatment at District Headquarters Hospital, Rawalpindi, while seeking medical assistance.

The petitioner argued that lawyers should receive medical benefits at par with government officers of BPS-17 and BPS-18.

During the proceedings, the government presented a 2018 notification that already granted free medical facilities to practicing lawyers and their families in Punjab’s government hospitals. However, the court found the notification lacks effective implementation.

Justice Hassan emphasized that legal practitioners played a crucial role in upholding justice and should not be deprived of fundamental rights, including access to healthcare. The court referred to the Lawyers Welfare and Protection Act, 2023, which mandates medical treatment for advocates, their spouses, and dependents in government and semi-government hospitals.

In its final decision, the court directed the Punjab government, particularly the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, to strictly enforce the 2018 notification.

Authorities were instructed to ensure all district headquarters hospitals, tehsil headquarters hospitals, and rural health centers provide free medical treatment to lawyers and their families.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2025