LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday directed the Punjab government to ensure strict implementation of its commitment to abolish the “parchi” (slip) system in all public hospitals across the province within four weeks.
Justice Malik Javid Iqbal Wains was hearing a public interest petition filed in 2020 by the Judicial Activism Panel (JAP) through its chairman, Azhar Siddique, against the province of the Punjab and others.
The petitioner seeks enforcement of fundamental rights under Articles 4 and 9 of the Constitution, as well as implementation of superior courts’ judgements on basic healthcare facilities in public sector hospitals.
During Friday’s hearing, Special Secretary (Health) Nabila Irfan appeared before the court in place of the Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department provincial secretary.
She sought more time to submit a comprehensive report on the availability, adequacy and standard of healthcare facilities in government hospitals.
She undertook that patients, whether emergency cases or outdoor patients, would receive prompt medical attention without first having to obtain slips from registration counters or stand in long queues.
The special secretary further undertook that the health department would introduce a modern, efficient and technology-based patient management system to streamline examination and treatment and end delays and overcrowding at hospital counters.
The judge noted with concern that the petition had been pending since 2020 and despite notices and specific directions none of the respondents had submitted a compliance report to date.
He observed that such persistent non-compliance reflected a casual and indifferent attitude towards the court’s orders and the respondents’ statutory and constitutional obligations.
Taking the undertaking on record, Justice Wains directed the authorities to ensure its strict implementation within four weeks and to submit a detailed compliance report, supported by documentary material, before the next hearing.
All respondents were also directed to file comprehensive reports addressing each grievance in the petition and the steps taken to ensure essential healthcare facilities for the public.
The judge warned that any further failure to comply without lawful justification would be viewed seriously and could lead to proceedings against delinquent officials in accordance with law.
Assistant Advocate General Barrister Raja Hashim Javed, health department’s lawyers Ms Nasim Mushtaq and Raja Saleemullah Khan appeared before the court.
The judge adjourned the hearing for six weeks.
Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026
