A recent report by the Punjab Healthcare Commission has revealed alarming levels of bacterial and viral contamination in several major public hospitals across the province due to inadequate infection control measures.
The report states that out of 17 evaluated hospitals, basic infection control protocols were found lacking, leaving patients at significant risk. Lahore’s Mayo Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, and Services Hospital were among those flagged for poor infection control practices. Similar shortcomings were observed in Benazir Bhutto Hospital Rawalpindi, Allied Hospital Faisalabad, and Nishtar Hospital Multan.
Other hospitals with inadequate measures include Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital, Children’s Hospital Faisalabad, and Faisal Masood Hospital Sargodha. The analysis, conducted in operation theatres, medical equipment, and patient wards, confirmed widespread bacterial and viral contamination.
However, the report noted satisfactory infection control in four hospitals, including Lahore General Hospital, Children’s Hospital Lahore, and Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology. Sixteen hospitals were identified as having room for improvement.
Health experts have called for immediate action to improve hospital hygiene and patient safety standards across Punjab.
