MALIK MUHAMMAD QAYYUM, J.--This petition tinder Article 199 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 filed by the petitioner who is an advocate of this Court praying that an inquiry be held into the affairs of the Mental Hospital, Lahore and respondents be directed to provide medical care and treatment to the mental patients properly. It was also prayed that it be ensured that the funds meant for the purpose be utilized properly. Along with the petition, the petitioner has appended a news item appearing the daily "News" dated 30th May, 1991, wherein it was stated that the conditions at Mental Hospital, Lahore, are pathetic and mental patients are being treated with utmost contempt and neglect by the staff of the hospital.
2. When this petition came up for hearing on 2nd June, 1991, learned Advocate General was asked to enter appearance. After hearing the petitioner and the learned Advocate General this Court constituted a committee headed by Advocate General to visit the Mental Hospital and submit its report as to conditions prevailing therein. The committee after visiting the hospital from time to time submitted its interim reports as also the final report. In the final report submitted by the committee, it has been recommended that in order to ensure that the hospital is run properly, a permanent committee be constituted.
3. It needs no gainsaying that it is responsibility of the society as also obligation of this Court when the matter comes to its notice to ensure well being and welfare of those who are unfortunately not in a position to look after themselves like minors and persons of unsound mind.
4. Keeping in view the, above objective, the recommendations made by the committee which, are intended towards achieving the above objective are accepted.
5. While disposed of this petition, a committee comprising of the following persons is hereby constituted:-
1. Mr. Maqbool Elahi Malik, Advocate General, Punjab Chairman
2. Mr. Nazir Ahmad Ghazi, Member Assistant Advocate General, Punjab.
3. Mr. Abdul Salam Khawar, . Member Addl. District & Sessions Judge, Lahore.
4. Mr. Sabah Mohayyuddin, Member Addl. District & Sessions Judge, Lahore.
5. Raja Abdul Rahman, Advocate/ petitioner. Member/Secretary.
6.Mrs. Asma Jahangir, Advocate. Member
7. Mrs.Shaista Qaisar Advocate.Member 8.Mian Saqib Nisar, Advocate. Member 9 Syed Mumtaz Ahmad, Special Correspondent, Daily News. Member
10. Mr. Javed Akhtar Butt, Cool Industries Ltd. Member 11.Mr. Abbas Ather, Member.
News Editor, The Daily Nawa-i-Waqt, Lahore.
12. Dr. Saad Bashir Malik, Associate Member.
Professor, Allama Iqbal Medical College/Services Hospital, Lahore.
13.Mr. Muhammad Yamin, Advocate/ Memebr.
Petitioner in W.P.No. 6275/91.
6. The committee shall supervise the working and affairs of the mental Hospital and submit its periodical report to this Court. Without prejudice to the generality of its powers, the committee is specifically authorised to take all or any of the following measures:-
(i) To visit Mental Hospital, Lahore at frequent intervals. The members of the committee shall have free access to all areas of the hospital at any time of the day or night and they shall also be permitted to inspect any file
(ii) To hold independent enquiries in all cases involving abuse and neglect of patients, embezzlement of funds, malpractices etc.
(iii) After conducting proper investigations and enquiries, if the committee finds any member of the staff guilty of any malpractice, embezzlement or abuse or neglect of patients to recommend suitable action against the person concerned to this Court as also to the Government.
(iv) To supervise the functioning of the Drug Committee of the Hospital to ensure that no unnecessary drugs are purchased from funds that can be better utilized for the purchase of more essential drugs which are often unavailable.
(v) To supervise the admission procedure so that the currently prevailing unethical practices on the part of the admitting staff can be prevented.
(vi) In the area of good patient care, the Committee needs to maintain a close watch oh the following matters:-
(a) Ensure availability of all essential drugs in the hospital at all times.
(b) Ensure proper nursing care pa psychiatric lines. The present trend of employing untrained male attendants should be gradually done away with and they should be replaced by qualified male and female nursing staff.
(c) Ensure that all patients are adequately clad in clean clothing and slippers, shoes.
(d) Supervision of. Diet.
(c) Ensure that patients are provided with proper beds with mattresses and lines.
(f) Ensure that the number of patients in a ward should not exceed the number of beds.
(g) Ensure preventing of unnecessary and prolonged stay of patients in the wards.
(h) Supervise the working of the Social Work Department to expedite discharges of patients back to their families and to maintain close liason with them.
(i) Maintain close watch Over the functioning of the* "Serious Ward" of the hospital to see that only genuinely ill patients are admitted there and that proper cover by a Medical Consultant is proved.
7. The committee is also authorised to visit various jails in the province of the Punjab with a view to look after the welfare of the prisoners suffering from mental diseases and ensure their proper treatment.
8. It is clarified that it shall be open to the committee or any of its members to approach this Court for issuance of such other directions as may be necessary.
This petition alongwith W.P.No. 6275/91 stands disposed of in the above terms. revisions by the competent authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the official sources or legal professionals for the most up-to-date and accurate information.