In a major move to improve safety and security of patients at healthcare facilities, the Punjab government has ordered the integration of CCTV surveillance systems in public hospitals with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA).
All security cameras installed in the emergency and outpatient departments (OPD) of hospitals under the administrative control of the Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education will now be mandatorily linked to the integrated command, control and communications network of the PSCA.
This initiative builds on the established framework of the PSCA, which already operates thousands of high-resolution cameras in major cities such as Lahore to support real-time monitoring, rapid emergency response and evidence collection for law enforcement.
The department has issued a formal directive, instructing vice-chancellors of medical universities, principals, deans, executive directors, heads of institutions and medical superintendents of teaching hospitals, medical colleges, specialized institutions, nursing colleges and allied health facilities to ensure full compliance.
The hospitals have been directed to provide complete cooperation and facilities to the Lahore PSCA teams for the integration process.
Where the existing CCTV infrastructure is insufficient, provisions have been made for the installation of additional cameras to achieve comprehensive coverage.
The move aims to curb violence against healthcare workers, deter theft or misuse of medical assets and strengthen response mechanisms in high-traffic areas such as emergency rooms and OPDs.
Officials said the decision fits into the Punjab government’s broader safe cities project, which has steadily expanded the use of advanced surveillance technology to bolster public safety and emergency response.
Officials describe the initiative as a proactive step to improve security at public health institutions, amid growing concerns about security within government-run hospitals.
Implementation is expected to begin soon, with PSCA technical teams coordinating closely with hospital administrations to complete the integration process.
