New Ramadan Timings Announced for Punjab Medical Institutions
The Government of Punjab has officially announced revised working hours for Ramazan 2026 across provincial departments. The new schedule is effective from February 19, 2026, and applies to all government offices, administrative departments, and attached institutions throughout the province.
The revised timings aim to balance employee facilitation with uninterrupted public service delivery during the holy month.
General Punjab Government Office Timings – Ramazan 2026
According to the official notification:
Five-Day Working Week Departments
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Six-Day Working Week Departments
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
These timings apply uniformly across Punjab’s provincial departments.
Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department (SHC&ME) Schedule
The Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department has issued a separate but aligned notification specifically for:
- Public medical universities
- Medical & dental colleges
- Teaching hospitals
- Specialized healthcare institutions
- Institute of Blood Transfusion Services
- Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority
Because of the essential nature of healthcare services, medical institutions start earlier than general offices.
Medical Institutions – Administrative Office Timings
Six-Day Work Week
- Monday–Thursday & Saturday: 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM
- Friday: 08:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Five-Day Work Week
- Monday–Thursday: 08:00 AM to 02:00 PM
- Friday: 08:00 AM to 12:30 PM
The earlier start time ensures clinical and academic responsibilities are covered before peak afternoon hours.
Clinical & Hospital Services During Ramadan
Emergency Departments
All Emergency Rooms (ERs) across Punjab will continue operating 24/7 without interruption.
OPD & Indoor Services
- General OPD timing: 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM
- Registration counters may close around 12:30 PM
- Indoor services continue via shift rotations
Medical Superintendents (MS) will internally manage doctor and nursing staff rotations to ensure continuous care.
Academic Schedule for Medical Students
Medical and dental students will:
- Attend morning lectures and ward rotations
- Conclude academic duties by 01:00 PM
This adjustment allows students sufficient travel time before the afternoon heat and fasting fatigue.
Faisalabad Public Hospital Advisory
Residents visiting major institutions in Faisalabad, including:
- Allied Hospital Faisalabad
- Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology
are advised to:
- Arrive before 08:30 AM
- Complete OPD registration early
- Expect counters to close before 01:00 PM
Early arrival is strongly recommended to avoid inconvenience.
Why Medical Timings Differ from General Offices
Unlike administrative departments that begin at 9:00 AM, healthcare institutions start at 8:00 AM because:
- Patient inflow peaks in the morning
- Emergency and diagnostic services require early setup
- Clinical training schedules must remain intact
- Ramadan fatigue increases in afternoon hours
This staggered timing ensures critical health services remain efficient.
Friday Shortened Hours – Province Wide
Across Punjab, Friday working hours during Ramadan are reduced to allow:
- Early preparation for Jumu’ah prayers
- Reduced fasting fatigue
- Staff well-being
Friday timings remain consistent at 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM for general departments and slightly earlier closure for some medical offices.
Key Highlights of the Ramadan 2026 Notification
- Effective from February 19, 2026
- Applies province-wide
- Healthcare sector has early start time
- Emergency services unaffected
- Academic medical schedule adjusted
- Public service delivery continues uninterrupted
Impact on Public Services
Despite reduced hours:
- Administrative processing remains active
- Hospital services remain functional
- Essential public services are prioritized
- Digital and online services remain accessible
The government emphasized that operational efficiency must not decline during Ramadan.
Final Summary
Punjab’s revised Ramadan 2026 office timings are structured to:
- Facilitate fasting employees
- Maintain public service continuity
- Protect healthcare access
- Ensure patient care remains uninterrupted
For general offices: 9 AM start
For medical institutions: 8 AM start
Emergency services: 24/7
