PMA Lahore urges shift to Mobile Apps to improve hospital services

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore has called for the introduction of a mobile-based application software system in government teaching hospitals to improve patient management, medicine supply, laboratory services, and admission and discharge procedures.

Talking on the issue, PMA Lahore President Prof Dr Shahid Shaukat Malik said that billions of rupees had previously been spent on hardware and conventional software systems in public hospitals, but due to poor planning and inefficient implementation, these initiatives failed to provide long-term benefits.

He noted that in many government hospitals, costly computers, printers, and other equipment become non-functional within a short period, resulting in financial losses to the national exchequer and causing serious inconvenience to patients as well as healthcare staff.

In contrast, he said, a mobile-based system could be more cost-effective, faster, and more reliable.

The PMA proposed the development of a centralized and secure mobile application linked to the mobile phones of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff.

Through such a system, patient admissions and discharges, medication records, laboratory reports, and follow-up data could be updated in real time, ensuring better coordination and continuity of care.

According to Prof Malik, the adoption of a mobile-based digital system would enhance transparency, reduce operational costs, and help ensure the timely delivery of healthcare services in government hospitals.

He urged the government and relevant authorities to embrace modern digital technologies and implement a durable, secure, and user-friendly system to bring meaningful and sustainable improvements to Pakistan’s healthcare sector.