The Lahore High Court reportedly gave Punjab authorities four weeks to implement a commitment to end the “parchi” registration-slip system in public hospitals across the province. The direction followed a hearing on October 30, according to reports by Dawn and The Express Tribune.
Special Secretary (Health) Nabila Irfan undertook that emergency and outpatient patients would receive medical attention without first obtaining a registration slip. Reports also say the health department plans to introduce a technology-based patient-management system. These are reported commitments. The available reporting does not confirm that the parchi system has already ended or that the replacement system is operating.
What system is planned?
The undertaking described a modern, technology-based system to manage patients. The reports reviewed do not explain how it will work, when it will be introduced at individual hospitals or which facilities will adopt it first.
The Punjab Health and Population Department’s official HISDU page lists a Hospital Management Information System among its initiatives. The page does not establish that this is the system promised to the court.
How will the court check progress?
Reports say the court sought documentary material showing compliance, along with comprehensive reports addressing the petition’s grievances and the availability of essential healthcare facilities. Dawn and an Associated Press of Pakistan report published by The News also reported a warning that unjustified failure to comply could lead to proceedings against responsible officials.
When is the next hearing?
Dawn and the APP report published by The News said the hearing was adjourned for six weeks. The reports reviewed do not confirm a specific next hearing date.
The key distinction for patients is that the four-week period is a reported implementation deadline, not confirmation that hospitals have already stopped issuing registration slips. The signed court order and a department implementation notice were not available for review.
