PMA Lahore calls for biometric attendance system to curb bureaucratic absenteeism

Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore has urged the government to immediately enforce a biometric attendance system for all administrative, special, and additional secretaries, aiming to ensure their physical presence in offices, 24NewsHD TV reported on Monday.  

In a statement, PMA Lahore Dr Shahid Malik said that thousands of files have been pending for prolonged periods in the various sections of both health departments, where decisions are deliberately delayed.

 He warned that such practices are fueling a culture of favoritism and bribery, causing serious damage to doctors and the overall healthcare system.

He noted that while doctors continue to face discriminatory treatment, relevant secretaries are willfully neglecting their duties and assignments, leading to administrative paralysis.

The absence and lack of interest shown by the bureaucracy, he added, have resulted in severe delays in resolving public issues, particularly those related to the health sector.

Dr Malik urged the Prime Minister of Pakistan to take immediate notice of the situation and issue clear directives mandating biometric attendance through a mobile application with location tracking for all bureaucrats.

This, he said, would ensure that officers remain present in their offices, address public and employee grievances, and make timely decisions.

The PMA president further said that file pendency should not exceed one to two days in any office.

He called for the formulation of a strict and transparent policy to accelerate decision-making and improve the overall efficiency of the government system.