Punjab Introduces Mandatory Body Cameras Rule for Hospital Staff 2026. Punjab has taken a bold step to fix long-standing issues in public hospitals.
The government has announced a mandatory body cameras rule for hospital staff to improve patient care and transparency.
This decision directly answers public complaints about staff behavior and service quality.
Punjab’s New Hospital Policy Explained
The new directive comes under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who has made healthcare reform a top priority.
The policy applies to all Punjab government hospitals.
Under this rule, selected hospital staff must wear body cameras during duty hours.
The goal is simple.
Protect patients.
Ensure accountability.
Document real interactions.
Which Hospital Staff Must Wear Body Cameras?
The policy does not target doctors alone.
It covers frontline staff who interact most with patients.
Mandatory Body Camera Staff List
| Hospital Role | Body Camera Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nurses | Required |
| Ward attendants | Required |
| Security staff | Required |
| Pharmacy staff | Required |
| Doctors | Mobile phone use restricted |
This approach focuses on patient-facing roles where complaints usually arise.
Why Punjab Introduced Body Cameras in Hospitals
Public hospitals in Punjab receive thousands of complaints every year.
Most complaints involve delays, rude behavior, and lack of transparency.
Key Reasons Behind the Decision
- Rising patient complaints
- Lack of proof during investigations
- Need for service monitoring
- Improving trust in public healthcare
Body cameras provide factual records.
They reduce false claims.
They protect both patients and staff.
Daily Steam Cleaning Now Mandatory
Along with body cameras, Punjab has introduced strict hygiene rules.
New Cleaning Rule
All public hospitals must complete daily steam cleaning by 9:00 AM.
This rule aims to:
- Reduce infection risks
- Improve hospital hygiene
- Ensure patient safety
Hospitals failing to comply may face disciplinary action.
Mobile Phone Ban During Duty Hours
The Punjab government has also banned mobile phone use for doctors and nurses during working hours.
Why This Ban Matters
- Reduces distractions
- Improves patient attention
- Enhances emergency response time
Emergency-only usage may be allowed under strict supervision.
Medical Superintendent Pool with Incentives
To improve hospital leadership, Punjab has approved a Medical Superintendent (MS) Pool.
How the MS Pool Works
- Experienced MS officers placed across hospitals
- Performance-linked salary incentives
- Regular evaluation of service delivery
This system rewards efficiency and discourages negligence.
Community Health Inspectors for Hospital Monitoring
Punjab will deploy trained community health inspectors across government hospitals.
Their Responsibilities
- Conduct regular hospital surveys
- Monitor staff behavior
- Report service gaps
- Track patient satisfaction
This adds an extra accountability layer beyond hospital administration.
Revised Medicines List for Government Hospitals
Medicine shortages have been a major issue in Punjab hospitals.
Despite heavy spending, patients often face stock-outs.
New Medicines Policy Highlights
- Revised essential medicines list
- Committee to finalize approved drugs
- Centralized monitoring of supply chains
- Zero tolerance for shortages
The aim is uninterrupted access to life-saving medicines.
Healthcare Data Analysis Center
Punjab will establish a healthcare data analysis center to evaluate reforms.
What the Data Center Will Do
- Track hospital performance
- Measure reform effectiveness
- Identify weak service areas
- Support policy decisions
Data-driven healthcare is a major shift for Punjab’s public sector.
Strict Warning Against Negligence
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued a clear warning.
Negligence and inefficiency in public hospitals will not be tolerated.
Staff found violating rules may face:
- Suspension
- Salary penalties
- Transfers
- Legal action in severe cases
How This Rule Impacts Patients
For patients, this policy brings real benefits.
Patient Benefits
- Better staff behavior
- Faster complaint resolution
- Safer hospital environment
- Improved service transparency
Patients can now feel more confident while visiting public hospitals.
How This Rule Affects Hospital Staff
Hospital staff will need to adapt quickly.
Staff Impact
- Increased accountability
- Clear duty protocols
- Protection against false allegations
- Performance-based evaluations
While some may resist initially, the long-term benefits are clear.
FAQs
Is body camera use mandatory in Punjab hospitals?
Yes. Nurses, attendants, security, and pharmacy staff must wear body cameras during duty hours.
Are doctors required to wear body cameras?
No. Doctors face a mobile phone ban but are not included in the body camera rule yet.
Why did Punjab introduce this hospital rule?
To improve transparency, reduce complaints, and ensure better patient care.
When will the new hospital rules be implemented?
The policy is expected to roll out in phases during 2026.
Will patients have access to body camera footage?
Footage will be used for official investigations and complaint resolution.
Conclusion
Punjab’s mandatory body cameras rule marks a major shift in public healthcare governance.
By focusing on transparency, hygiene, and accountability, the government aims to rebuild trust in public hospitals.
