Protecting patients

Patients and their families rely entirely on doctors for information regarding diagnosis, treatment options and procedures. As a result, the fact that the Punjab Healthcare Commission is emerging as a protector and defender of the rights of patients in the province has been welcomed by many. The commission endeavours to stop ‘fake’ doctors and therapists from practicing and is also taking steps to ensure that the rights of patients who receive treatment from legitimate doctors at hospitals are protected.

Over 300 hospitals are inspected and some operation theatres have been temporarily closed down due to their unhygienic and unsterilised conditions, which lead to post-operative infections. In addition, the authorities are also establishing burn units to manage fire emergencies. While the government has taken a positive initiative, it remains to be seen how sustainable the effects of these campaigns will be. With regard to this, the healthcare commission must devise a strict and effective vigilance mechanism to ensure that improvements continue to benefit vulnerable patients at hospitals and do not fizzle out as they usually do.

Nadia Irfan

Lahore