Punjab’s Major Public Hospitals Failing to Control Infections

Lahore: A recent health inspection has revealed serious bacterial and viral contamination in some of Punjab’s largest public hospitals, raising urgent concerns over patient safety and hygiene standards.

The detailed evaluation covered 17 major hospitals across the province, uncovering alarming lapses in infection prevention protocols, sterilisation procedures, and sanitation in critical areas such as operation theatres, emergency wards, and medical equipment handling rooms.

Hospitals Found with Major Shortcomings

The report identified several leading facilities struggling with infection control, including:

  • Mayo Hospital (Lahore)
  • Jinnah Hospital (Lahore)
  • Services Hospital (Lahore)
  • Benazir Bhutto Hospital (Rawalpindi)
  • Allied Hospital (Faisalabad)
  • Nishtar Hospital (Multan)
  • Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital
  • Children’s Hospital Faisalabad
  • Faisal Masood Hospital (Sargodha)

Many of these hospitals were flagged for poor sterilisation practices, improper waste disposal, and lack of proper disinfection protocols — all of which can lead to life-threatening infections for patients and medical staff.

Few Hospitals Meeting Standards

Only four hospitals passed the inspection with acceptable hygiene and infection control standards:

  • Lahore General Hospital
  • Children’s Hospital Lahore
  • Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology

These facilities demonstrated better compliance with infection prevention guidelines and patient safety measures.

Urgent Reforms Needed

Health experts have warned that without immediate action, these lapses could fuel hospital-acquired infections and further burden the already strained healthcare system. Recommendations include:

  • Regular hygiene audits for all public hospitals
  • Advanced training for medical and cleaning staff on infection control
  • Upgraded sterilisation and waste management systems
  • Strict penalties for non-compliance with health regulations

The findings highlight the need for provincial-level health reforms and a renewed focus on modern hygiene protocols to protect patients and restore public trust in healthcare services.