K-P govt makes CNIC mandatory for OPDs

Patients must provide identity, phone details for hospital slips

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has made it compulsory for patients to provide their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) number and mobile phone number when obtaining Outpatient Department (OPD) slips at all government hospitals and medical centres across the province.

An official notification to this effect was issued by the department following directives from the Provincial Health Minister. The move is aimed at bringing transparency to the healthcare system and maintaining accurate patient records for better medical follow-ups.

According to the notification, no OPD slip shall be issued to any patient without recording their CNIC and mobile number. In the case of minors, the parent or guardian's CNIC number must be provided. The health department described the measure as essential for eliminating fake or anonymous registrations, reducing overcrowding, and ensuring that genuine patients receive timely medical attention.

The new rule will also help health authorities track patient history more effectively and curb the misuse of medical facilities. Officials believe the digital record of patients will assist in disease surveillance and public health planning across the province.

In addition to the mandatory identification requirements, all health centres have been instructed to display an updated list of available medicines on notice boards at prominent locations. This step is designed to keep the public fully informed about the medicines they can receive from government hospitals, reducing frustration and unnecessary delays.

The directive further stated that all relevant officers and medical staff must strictly implement these instructions. The department has warned that any violation, negligence, or non-compliance will result in departmental action against responsible officials under the relevant Efficiency and Discipline (E&D) Rules. The health minister has directed immediate enforcement of the order across all district and tehsil hospitals.