PMA expresses concern over defective software implemented by PITB in Punjab’s public sector teaching hospitals

The President of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore, Professor Shahid Malik, has expressed grave concern over the defective and non-functional software implemented by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in public sector teaching hospitals across Punjab.
He stated that the software installed in outpatient departments (OPDs) is not only technically flawed but is also creating serious difficulties for both doctors and patients. In many instances, clinical entries made by doctors do not appear in the system, while prescribed medications are not visible at pharmacy counters, resulting in delays and inconvenience for patients.
Furthermore, discrepancies between issued token numbers and system records have led to significant mismanagement and chaos within hospitals. This situation amounts to a serious risk to patient safety and reflects a complete failure in system implementation.
Professor Shahid Malik also expressed concern that the software was deployed without proper verification, field testing, or pilot implementation. Alarmingly, no senior professors or clinicians were included in the consultative process prior to this decision. Due to this unilateral action by the development wing, thousands of patients in Lahore General Hospital, Services Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, and other public hospitals are facing severe difficulties.
The President of PMA Lahore has called upon the Chief Secretary Punjab to immediately halt the implementation of this faulty software, 
constitute a high-level inquiry committee, take strict action against PITB officials responsible for deploying an incomplete system in teaching hospitals and ensure that senior doctors, consultants, and relevant stakeholders are included in future digital health system decisions.
He further warned that if immediate corrective measures are not taken, this situation will not only paralyze the healthcare system but also pose serious threats to patient lives.