K-P govt makes CNIC mandatory for OPDs

PESHAWAR: The Health Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made it mandatory for patients to share their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) number and mobile number while seeking Out Patient Department (OPD) tickets at all public hospitals and health centers in the province.

A notification in this regard has been issued by the health department as per the instructions given by the provincial health minister. This decision was taken to bring transparency in the healthcare sector and to keep accurate records of patients for proper medical follow-up.

As per the notification, no OPD ticket shall be issued to any patient without noting down their CNIC number and mobile number. For the minor, the CNIC number of his/her parents or guardians should be shared.

The health department called this step necessary to stop the registration of fake or anonymous patients, avoid overcrowding, and provide proper treatment to genuine patients.