Three-colour bed sheet system for Punjab’s public hospitals

LAHORE: The Punjab government has initiated measures to ensure optimal hygiene standards in public sector hospitals, declaring mandatory the daily replacement of bed sheets and introducing the 'three-colour bed sheets system.'

Dr Jamal Nasir, Minister of Primary and Secondary Healthcare, announced on Friday that effective January 1, 2024, district headquarters hospitals (DHQs) under his purview will adopt a system using bed sheets of three distinct colours. This initiative will also be extended to tehsil headquarters hospitals (THQs) from January 15.

Under the new system, each hospital will utilise a bed sheet of a different colour for every bed daily, following a schedule. The DHQs will be equipped with seven bed sheets for each bed, designed in three colours. Disposable bed sheets will be reserved for emergency wards, ensuring a fresh bed sheet for each patient.

During a recent monthly performance review meeting for THQs, chaired by the minister and attended by Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan, specific directives were issued. 

Dr Jamal Nasir emphasised the importance of maintaining operational X-ray rooms and laboratories in the THQs during nighttime as well.

He said funds for the refurbishment of government hospitals had been allocated, with completion expected within a month. He urged medical superintendents of THQs to conduct regular rounds, obtaining firsthand information on patient issues and day-to-day affairs.

Addressing concerns about medical resources, Dr Nasir assured that there was no shortage of medicines and equipment in government hospitals. He urged doctors to serve humanity passionately, emphasizing that the chief minister had provided ample resources. The responsibility now lies with doctors to deliver quality healthcare to citizens, he added.

The secretary highlighted the need to install alternate electricity connections at THQs and said the health department staff should adhere to the principles of patient care, comfort, and service.

Special Secretary Muhammad Iqbal, Additional Secretary Khizer Afzal, Rashid Irshad, DG Health Dr Ilyas Gondal, and DG Drugs Muhammad Sohail also attended the meeting.