Punjab Government Implements Strict Mobile Phone Ban for Hospital Staff
In a significant move aimed at improving efficiency and patient care, the Punjab government has introduced a strict policy prohibiting the use of mobile phones by hospital staff below the BPS-18 level during their working hours. This regulation applies to all public sector hospitals in the province and is expected to streamline emergency response times and enhance overall medical services.
Mandatory Pager Systems Introduced
To replace personal mobile devices, the Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department has issued two circulars on July 7, mandating the use of pager systems in all healthcare facilities. These pagers are designed to ensure that critical alerts—such as Code Blue (cardiac arrest) and Code Red (fire or security threat)—are communicated quickly and without interruption. The shift to pagers is intended to eliminate distractions caused by personal phone usage and improve communication among medical teams.
Restrictions on Mobile Usage
The new directive specifically targets lower-grade hospital staff, including nurses, technicians, and support personnel, who are now prohibited from using personal mobile phones while on duty. This ban is particularly enforced in high-stakes areas such as emergency units, intensive care units (ICUs), neonatal ICUs (NICUs), and operation theatres. Senior officers, including Medical Superintendents and Deputy Medical Superintendents, are exempt from this rule due to their roles requiring constant communication with higher authorities.
The decision comes in response to concerns that unnecessary phone use has been disrupting hospital operations and delaying urgent medical interventions. To ensure compliance, medical superintendents and department heads are tasked with monitoring adherence to the policy and submitting detailed reports within three days of implementation.
Emphasis on Adherence to Protocols
In addition to the mobile phone restrictions, the notification highlights the importance of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) in nursing and other critical medical practices. This includes strict compliance with protocols for sensitive procedures such as intravenous (IV) injections. Nursing students and paramedics are required to maintain focus and avoid distractions to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
Broader Implications for Public Healthcare
The directives have been circulated to all public medical universities, colleges, and hospitals across Punjab. Additionally, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and relevant health officials have been informed about the changes. This move reflects a broader initiative by the provincial government to strengthen discipline, accountability, and responsiveness within the public healthcare system.
By reducing non-essential distractions and promoting more effective communication tools, the government aims to create a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare environment. The success of this policy will depend on the cooperation of hospital staff, the enforcement of guidelines by senior management, and continuous evaluation of its impact on patient outcomes.
This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing healthcare delivery and ensuring that medical professionals can focus entirely on their critical responsibilities.
