In light of the ongoing war-like situation between Pakistan and India, the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) issued on Friday an emergency red alert for both public and private hospitals to prepare for any potential crisis.

Under the directive, all private hospitals are now required to provide free treatment and medications to 35% of their total bed capacity in the event of an emergency. Hospitals must ensure the availability of essential medicines, blood supplies, and strict adherence to emergency preparedness protocols.

Operation theatres must remain functional at all times, and hospitals are to maintain alternative arrangements for uninterrupted medical care. Critical medical equipment such as ventilators, cardiac monitors, and imaging machines must be kept fully operational.

Private hospitals have also been instructed to maintain a verified database of blood donors and an adequate stock of blood bags.

Public hospitals across the province, including District Headquarters (DHQ) and Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospitals, are required to reserve all types of life-saving drugs, injections, and blood supplies.

All doctors, surgeons, nurses, and paramedics must remain on call at all times; phones must stay on, and no staff may leave the city or take leave until the emergency is declared over.