Punjab Safe Cities Authority rolls out QR panic buttons in government hospitals

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has started installing emergency QR panic buttons in government hospitals across Punjab, including Lahore, to let patients and their attendants reach Safe City emergency services by scanning a code with a mobile phone. The authority said the installation is being carried out in phases.

Scanning the code brings up the details of the hospital on the user's phone. After registering a contact number, the user can reach the Safe Cities Authority through a call to Emergency Helpline 15, a live chat or a video call.

The system is linked to the Safe City Virtual Blood Bank. When a request arrives, the Safe City team will help connect the patient with available donors of the required blood group. The authority said this is meant to make the search for donors faster and easier for patients and their families.

Business Recorder reported that the QR panic buttons are not limited to blood. Citizens can use the same code to ask Safe City for assistance in other emergencies, so that requests for help sit on one digital platform rather than several.

The authority said citizens can also dial Emergency Helpline 15 and press option 4 to get guidance on blood requirements and basic first aid.

TechJuice reported that the installation is being carried out in phases on the directives of the Punjab chief minister, and that the system is being rolled out in Lahore and other cities of the province.

The PSCA described the hospital installation as part of its work to expand technology-based public safety and emergency services across Punjab. Neither report said how many government hospitals will get the QR codes, what the project will cost, or when the phased installation is due to be completed.