Islamabad, July 9, 2025: The Punjab government has officially banned mobile phone use for hospital staff below BPS-18 during duty hours in all public sector hospitals. The decision, issued on July 7, 2025, aims to improve emergency response and patient care.
As per the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, two separate circulars have been sent to hospitals, enforcing strict limits on mobile phone usage in ICUs, NICUs, operation theatres, and emergency wards. Only senior officials such as Medical Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents, Senior Registrars, and Directors are exempted.
In a major shift, the government has also made pager systems mandatory for real-time communication. Hospitals are required to activate pagers for critical alerts like Code Red and Code Blue, ensuring faster coordination during life-threatening situations.
The notification warns that frequent and non-essential phone use was interfering with operations and affecting the quality of care. Department heads are now responsible for monitoring staff, enforcing the ban, and submitting compliance reports within three days.
The government has also directed all nursing students to strictly follow SOPs, especially during sensitive procedures like IV injections, to avoid risks and ensure a responsive emergency care system.
Read More: Devsinc Launches Employee Stock Ownership Plan to Boost Retention and Ownership Culture
The circulars have been sent to all public sector hospitals, teaching institutions, and medical universities across Punjab, with copies forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and Health Secretary.
Read More: vivo X200 FE Coming Soon with Flagship Camera at Budget Price
This move underscores Punjab’s efforts to tighten discipline in hospitals and raise standards of public healthcare in the province.
