The Lahore High Court (LHC) has been informed by the Punjab Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department that teaching hospitals across the province currently have 1,785 ventilators, with plans to procure an additional 500 ICU ventilators in the upcoming financial year 2025–26.
The details were shared in a progress report submitted to the court during proceedings related to medical infrastructure and infectious disease management. The report highlighted that 200 ICU ventilators had already been procured and distributed among tertiary care hospitals during 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen critical care facilities.
Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure
According to the health department, steps are being taken to enhance ICU capacity and improve emergency response systems in major teaching hospitals. The planned addition of 500 ventilators aims to address increasing healthcare demands and ensure better preparedness for future medical emergencies.
However, concerns were raised by Advocate Azhar Siddique, representing the petitioner, who argued that the current number of ventilators remains below international standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). He also requested physical verification of the reported figures through a court-appointed committee.
Mpox Situation in Punjab
The report also provided an update on Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), indicating a shift from imported cases to local transmission within the province.
Health officials reported that:
- In 2025: 100 suspected cases, including 34 confirmed
- In 2026 (so far): 94 suspected cases, including 48 confirmed
The department noted that the virus is primarily spreading through close physical contact, particularly in crowded environments, raising concerns about potential community-level spread.
Court Proceedings
The case, filed by the Judicial Activism Panel, remains under hearing in the LHC. Justice Malik Awais Khalid has adjourned the proceedings until April 23, where further arguments will be presented regarding healthcare capacity and disease management.
The outcome of the case may influence future policy decisions regarding hospital infrastructure, ventilator availability, and public health preparedness in Punjab.
