The Punjab government has ordered all private hospitals to install CCTV cameras to enhance oversight and patient safety, effective August 23, 2025.
New Surveillance Rules for Hospitals
The Punjab Healthcare Commission issued a directive requiring every private hospital in the province to equip critical areas with CCTV cameras. This move aims to improve accountability, monitor operations, and ensure a safer environment for patients and staff across Punjab’s healthcare facilities.
Also Read: CDA Launches Mobile App to Enhance Islamabad’s Electric Bus Services
Key Requirements for Compliance
The directive specifies that hospitals must place cameras in key areas to ensure comprehensive monitoring. These include:
- Emergency Rooms: To track urgent care activities and response times.
- Intensive Care Units: To monitor critical patient care.
- Children’s Nurseries: To ensure safety in pediatric wards.
- Entrances and Exits: To record all movement in and out of facilities.
- Waiting Areas: To oversee public spaces and patient interactions.
Hospitals are also required to store footage for at least 40 days, with strict guidelines to protect patient privacy. The footage will only be accessed for legal purposes, such as investigations or audits, ensuring compliance with privacy laws.
Focus on Patient Safety and Privacy
The initiative stems from the Punjab government’s commitment to improving healthcare standards. By mandating CCTV surveillance, the authorities aim to deter malpractice, enhance operational transparency, and provide evidence in case of disputes. The Punjab Healthcare Commission emphasized that hospitals must implement measures to safeguard patient privacy, such as limiting camera angles in sensitive areas and restricting access to footage.
Implementation and Impact
The Punjab Healthcare Commission has urged hospitals to comply promptly, with inspections planned to ensure adherence. This directive is part of broader efforts to modernize healthcare infrastructure and build public trust in private medical facilities. “CCTV surveillance will strengthen accountability and safety,” a commission spokesperson said. Hospitals failing to comply may face penalties, though specific enforcement measures are yet to be detailed.
Looking Forward
The mandate is expected to enhance oversight in Punjab’s private healthcare sector, ensuring better care and transparency. As hospitals begin installing CCTV systems, patients and families can anticipate a safer and more accountable healthcare environment by early 2026.
