The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has officially instructed all public hospitals across the province to enforce a colour-coded emergency alert system, aligning with international safety standards. According to a statement issued after a high-level meeting chaired by Dr Saqib Aziz, CEO of the Punjab Healthcare Commission, special attention will be paid to Code Blue (cardiac emergencies), Code Red (fire or evacuation), and Code Pink (child abduction or pediatric emergencies).

The meeting was attended by a diverse range of health leaders, including vice-chancellors, principals, chief executives, senior faculty members, medical superintendents, and consultants.  Dr Saqib Aziz emphasized that the hospital emergency code system is a color-based notification protocol used worldwide to respond efficiently to critical situations. He stated that patient safety cannot be ensured without strict implementation of emergency protocols and stressed the need for staff training and establishment of command centers in all hospitals.

This move, according to Dr Saqib Aziz, will not only reduce emergency response time but also help in preventing adverse incidents by ensuring a coordinated and timely reaction to high-risk scenarios. The initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing Punjab’s public healthcare infrastructure in line with global safety practices.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)