The Lahore High Court on Thursday sought responses from the Punjab government, the Health Secretary, and the Medical Superintendent of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology regarding allegations of delayed and inadequate treatment for heart patients.

Justice Khalid Ishaq heard a petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel, which highlighted months-long delays in life-saving cardiac procedures at the state-run hospital. The petition emphasizes the urgent need to address systemic inefficiencies affecting patient care.

Officials from PIC have been called to provide explanations for the extended waiting periods and the hospital’s preparedness in managing critical heart cases. The court’s intervention underscores growing concerns over patient safety and accessibility of timely cardiac treatment in Punjab’s public healthcare system.

Legal experts note that the hearing could prompt administrative reforms and accountability measures to ensure that patients receive prompt and adequate medical care, particularly for life-threatening conditions.

The case sheds light on broader challenges faced by public hospitals in Pakistan, including resource constraints, staff shortages, and procedural delays, which can critically impact treatment outcomes for cardiac patients.