Punjab Govt Imposes Emergency in Hospitals

In a major move to tackle rising health concerns, the Punjab Government has officially declared a state of emergency across all public hospitals in the province. This decision comes in response to an alarming increase in patients due to seasonal diseases and viral outbreaks.

• Punjab government declares emergency in all public hospitals

• Surge in patients due to heatstroke and viral infections

• All leaves of medical staff canceled; emergency protocols in place

• Hospitals are instructed to increase bed capacity and ensure medicine availability

• Situation closely monitored by the Punjab Health Department

According to officials, the emergency has been declared because of:

• Rising temperatures across Punjab are leading to an increase in heatstroke and dehydration cases

• Spread of viral infections, gastroenteritis, and waterborne diseases

• Overcrowded hospitals are unable to cope with the increasing number of patients

• A need for urgent government action to improve hospital readiness and response

The Health Department has outlined immediate steps to manage the crisis:

• Leaves of doctors, nurses, and paramedics have been suspended

• Extra beds are being arranged in emergency wards and outdoor units

• Hospitals are ordered to maintain 24/7 emergency services

• Availability of life-saving medicines and clean water is being ensured

• Ambulance services have been directed to remain on high alert

• Special instructions were given to District Health Officers (DHOs) to monitor rural areas

The emergency status is province-wide, but certain districts are seeing a higher patient influx:

• Lahore – Topmost affected due to urban heat islands and pollution

• Faisalabad – High number of gastro cases reported

• Multan – Heat-related emergencies rising

• Bahawalpur – Increased cases of dehydration and viral fever

• Rawalpindi – Overburdened hospitals with limited resources

Health Minister of Punjab stated:

“We are treating this as a health emergency. No patient should be denied treatment. We have activated all resources, and district hospitals are being supported with manpower and supplies.”

Punjab Chief Minister:

“Public health is our top priority. We are monitoring the situation daily and will not tolerate negligence in treatment or hospital management.”

Health authorities have issued guidelines for the general public:

• Stay hydrated – Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily

• Use ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) in case of vomiting or diarrhea

• Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (12 PM to 4 PM)

• Wear light cotton clothing

• Eat freshly cooked food; avoid street food

To ensure quick medical assistance, the Punjab Health Department has activated the following helplines:

• Emergency Medical Helpline: 1033

• Punjab Health Department Hotline: 0800-99000

• Citizens can also use mobile health units in rural areas

• Civil society has welcomed the move but demanded long-term infrastructure upgrades

• Some political opposition leaders have criticized the government for “acting too late”

• Public health activists are urging a comprehensive awareness campaign in schools and rural areas

“Most of these illnesses are preventable with proper hygiene and hydration. Citizens must cooperate with hospital staff and follow official health guidelines,” says Dr. Maria Hassan, a public health expert.

The Punjab government’s decision to declare a health emergency is a crucial step in protecting public health amid rising seasonal diseases and heat-related challenges. While the situation is serious, collective action from the government, hospital staff, and the public can help reduce the crisis's impact.