Photography, Filming and Interviews Restricted Inside Hospitals
The Balochistan Healthcare Commission has banned unauthorised photography, video recording and media reporting inside hospitals across the province.
The commission said journalists, visitors and other individuals must obtain proper permission before recording or reporting from healthcare facilities.
The new directive applies to sensitive areas of hospitals where patients receive treatment and medical staff perform their duties.
Authorities warned that anyone violating the restrictions could face legal action under existing laws and regulations.
The commission said the decision was taken after repeated cases of individuals entering sensitive hospital areas and recording content without official approval.
Unauthorised filming can expose patients, reveal confidential information and disrupt medical procedures.
The commission has therefore directed hospitals to ensure that media activity takes place only after formal authorisation.
Commission Raises Concerns Over Patient Privacy
Balochistan Healthcare Commission official Dr Bismillah Kakar said sensitive areas were frequently being covered without permission.
He said such activities violate established hospital regulations.
They can also interfere with the normal functioning of healthcare institutions.
Patient privacy remains one of the main concerns behind the restrictions.
Patients may be receiving treatment for sensitive medical conditions and may not want their identities, conversations or medical situations recorded.
The commission said interviews with patients should not be conducted without proper approval.
Video recordings and photographs taken inside treatment areas will also require permission.
Healthcare authorities stressed that patients have a right to dignity and confidentiality while receiving medical care.
The restrictions are intended to prevent personal medical information from being exposed without consent.
Unauthorised Coverage Can Disrupt Medical Staff
Dr Kakar said uncontrolled media activity can also affect doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Medical staff require a controlled environment to treat patients safely and efficiently.
Cameras, interviews and unexpected media activity can create distractions, especially in emergency departments and other critical areas.
The commission said healthcare workers should be allowed to perform their responsibilities without unnecessary interference.
Officials maintained that the directive does not prevent legitimate reporting about healthcare issues.
Instead, it requires journalists and other individuals to follow official procedures before entering restricted areas or recording inside hospitals.
Hospitals are expected to cooperate with authorised media coverage while maintaining patient privacy and medical safety.
The commission has warned that violations will not be ignored.
Anyone found recording, photographing or conducting interviews without permission could face legal proceedings.
Hospital administrations are also expected to enforce the directive and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive areas.
The Balochistan Healthcare Commission said the measures are aimed at balancing public access to information with the privacy and safety of patients.
