Punjab Hospital Body Cameras Approved to Enforce Discipline in Public Hospitals

Punjab hospital body cameras have been approved in principle as the provincial government moves toward strict healthcare reforms aimed at improving discipline, transparency, and patient care in public hospitals. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where multiple health sector initiatives were reviewed.

The reform package also includes a ban on mobile phone usage during duty hours for doctors and medical staff, signaling a firm stance on improving hospital performance across the province.

Punjab Hospital Body Cameras to Improve Transparency

The Punjab government has proposed the installation of body-worn cameras for frontline hospital staff, including security guards, ward boys, nurses, and pharmacy employees. According to officials, Punjab hospital body cameras will help monitor staff conduct and ensure accountability in daily hospital operations.

Public hospitals often face complaints related to staff behavior, negligence, and poor service delivery. Authorities believe that recorded footage from body cameras can serve as an effective monitoring tool while also protecting healthcare workers from false accusations.

Moreover, Punjab hospital body cameras are expected to assist hospital administrations in identifying operational weaknesses and improving overall service quality.

Mobile Phone Ban During Duty Hours Announced

Alongside Punjab hospital body cameras, the government has also agreed to restrict the use of mobile phones during duty hours. Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel will be required to avoid personal mobile phone use while attending patients.

Officials noted that excessive mobile phone usage has become a major distraction in public hospitals, often affecting patient care and response times. By limiting phone usage, the government aims to ensure medical staff remain focused on their responsibilities.

Emergency use and official communication will be exempted under clearly defined guidelines to avoid disruption of critical services.

Discipline and Patient Care at the Core of Reforms

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized that improving patient care remains the top priority of the Punjab government. She stated that Punjab hospital body cameras and mobile phone restrictions are not punitive measures but necessary steps to restore discipline and professionalism in public healthcare facilities.

Hospital staff have been instructed to follow ethical standards and remain fully attentive during duty hours. Authorities believe these measures will help reduce patient complaints and improve trust in government hospitals.

Performance-Based Salary Increments Approved

Another major decision taken during the meeting was to link salary increments with performance. The Punjab government has agreed that future pay raises in public hospitals will be awarded strictly on the basis of efficiency, attendance, and service quality.

Officials said this approach will reward hardworking staff while encouraging underperforming employees to improve. Performance-based incentives are expected to complement the impact of Punjab hospital body cameras by promoting accountability and professionalism.

Modern Medical Equipment for Hospital Upgradation

The meeting also approved the use of modern medical equipment manufactured in China as part of a broader hospital upgradation plan. These advanced machines will enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve treatment standards in public hospitals.

Authorities stated that modern technology, combined with disciplined staff behavior, will significantly improve healthcare outcomes. The government plans to gradually upgrade hospitals across Punjab to meet international healthcare standards.

Implementation Strategy Under Development

While Punjab hospital body cameras have been approved in principle, officials clarified that detailed implementation frameworks are still being prepared. Relevant departments have been directed to develop standard operating procedures, legal guidelines, and data protection measures.

Pilot projects may be launched in selected hospitals before full-scale implementation across the province. Training programs will also be introduced to ensure staff understand the purpose and proper use of body cameras.

Public Response and Expert Views

The announcement of Punjab hospital body cameras has received mixed reactions. Many patients and civil society members have welcomed the move, calling it a much-needed step toward accountability. However, some healthcare professionals have raised concerns regarding privacy and workplace stress.

Health policy experts suggest that the success of Punjab hospital body cameras will depend on transparent policies, fair monitoring practices, and proper staff engagement. They emphasize that technology should support healthcare workers rather than create an atmosphere of fear.

Punjab hospital body cameras represent a bold and transformative step toward reforming the province’s public healthcare system. Combined with mobile phone restrictions, performance-based salaries, and modern equipment, the initiative aims to create a disciplined, transparent, and patient-focused hospital environment.

If implemented effectively, these reforms could significantly improve public confidence in government hospitals and set a new benchmark for healthcare governance in Punjab.