Body-worn cameras rolled out in public hospitals

In a move to enhance transparency and accountability in public healthcare, the Punjab government has launched a 'body-worn camera' initiative across major tertiary care hospitals in the provincial capital.

The initiative has been introduced at leading government hospitals, including Services Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Lahore General Hospital.

Under the programme, nurses, paramedical staff, pharmacists and security personnel have been equipped with high-definition body cameras to record their interactions with patients and visitors in real time. Officials said the initiative is a key component of the provincial government's "Digital Health" vision, aimed at improving service delivery and eliminating long-standing issues such as mismanagement, discourteous behaviour and favouritism in public hospitals.

The cameras are integrated with a central monitoring system, enabling authorities to oversee activities across wards, emergency units and outpatient departments round the clock.

Medical Superintendent of Services Hospital, Dr Rana Khurram Aftab, said the primary objective of the initiative is to ensure equal and dignified treatment for all patients, regardless of their socio-economic status or personal connections.

He emphasised that patient care is not limited to medical treatment alone but also depends on respectful and compassionate behaviour by healthcare staff.

"With a large influx of patients daily, maintaining discipline and professional conduct has always been a challenge. This system will help us ensure accountability while improving overall service standards," he said.

Services Hospital alone caters to more than 10,000 patients each day, placing immense pressure on its staff and facilities. Officials noted that the addition of body cameras, supported by an extensive internal surveillance network, has significantly strengthened monitoring mechanisms within the hospital.

Chief Security Officer Khalid Saleem reported a marked improvement in staff behaviour since the introduction of the cameras, estimating an increase of around 80% in professionalism and compliance with protocols.

He said the devices serve a dual purpose: deterring staff from misconduct while also protecting them from false or exaggerated complaints by attendants.

Hospital authorities further highlighted that the initiative has brought positive changes in sensitive areas such as emergency wards, where tensions often run high.

The presence of cameras has helped reduce conflicts between staff and attendants, fostering a more disciplined and controlled environment. In addition, monitoring at hospital pharmacies has reportedly curbed the misuse and theft of government-supplied medicines, ensuring that essential drugs reach deserving patients instead of being diverted elsewhere.

Patients and their families have largely welcomed the initiative, expressing satisfaction over improved behaviour and fairer treatment.

Many said that the culture of favouritism has diminished, and staff members appear more attentive and professional in their duties.

To sustain accountability, the government has urged citizens to register complaints through official channels, including the Chief Minister's Complaint Cell and health department helplines.