Is the Govt Responsible for the Death of 3 Patients at Jalandhar Hospital?
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Synopsis
Chandigarh's Partap Singh Bajwa blames the AAP government for the tragic deaths of three patients at Jalandhar Civil Hospital due to oxygen supply failure, demanding the resignation of Balbir Singh. Can Punjab's health system recover from this negligence?
Key Takeaways
- Accountability: The AAP government faces criticism for its handling of healthcare.
- Negligence: The incident highlights serious oversights in the management of essential services.
- Vacancies: A significant number of medical positions remain unfilled, impacting patient care.
- Urgent Reform: Calls for a tailored healthcare approach to better serve the population.
- Public Safety: The need for a healthcare system that prioritizes patient safety is paramount.
Chandigarh, July 31 (NationPress) In a forceful statement, Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, has placed the blame squarely on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for the unfortunate demise of three patients due to an interrupted oxygen supply at the Jalandhar Civil Hospital. He has called for the immediate resignation of Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh.
Bajwa pointed out that the recent measures taken by the Health Ministry, such as the suspension of three doctors and the termination of a house surgeon, clearly illustrate the profound negligence permeating this administration.
“The suspension and termination of medical professionals are grossly inadequate. The Health Minister must acknowledge his moral obligation and resign without hesitation,” Bajwa stated.
The senior Congress leader criticized the AAP government for its management of the public health system, which he claims has deteriorated significantly during their three-and-a-half-year rule.
“Their reckless attempt to implement a discredited health model from Delhi has dismantled Punjab’s once-effective health infrastructure,” he emphasized, highlighting the pressing need for a tailored healthcare approach that genuinely serves the populace.
Bajwa revealed a shocking oversight, noting that a ward attendant was operating the vital oxygen plant instead of a qualified technician during the incident.
“This egregious negligence is indicative of the AAP government’s failure to enhance health infrastructure and their incompetence in hiring skilled personnel,” he added.
The Opposition leader urged prompt action to correct these serious oversights, asserting that the public deserves a healthcare system that prioritizes their safety and well-being.
He also voiced his concern regarding the severe shortage of medical specialists in civil hospitals, disclosing that out of 2,098 sanctioned specialist positions, an astonishing 990 remain unfilled.
Additionally, 1,962 out of 3,847 general medical officer posts are vacant, leading to a shocking 51 percent vacancy rate that must be addressed without delay.
The day prior, Minister Balbir Singh announced the suspension of three doctors, including the Medical Superintendent, due to negligence that resulted in the tragic loss of three patients from an oxygen supply disruption.
The suspended individuals include Medical Superintendent Raj Kumar, Senior Medical Officer Surjeet Singh, and Consultant Anesthesia Sonakshi.
“All three doctors have been suspended, and a thorough inquiry is underway, with their potential dismissal and loss of benefits from service likely,” stated an official announcement from the Health Minister.
House Surgeon Shaminder Singh has been outright dismissed for gross negligence. According to the government, the sudden disruption in the oxygen supply, caused by a technical malfunction in the hospital's oxygen plant, resulted in the deaths of three critically ill patients at the Civil Hospital in Jalandhar.
Point of View
Partap Singh Bajwa's calls for accountability underscore the need for a robust healthcare system that prioritizes patient safety and qualified personnel.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the deaths of the patients at Jalandhar Civil Hospital?
The deaths were attributed to a disruption in the oxygen supply caused by a technical fault in the hospital's oxygen plant.
Who has been held responsible for the incident?
Partap Singh Bajwa has held the AAP government accountable and called for the resignation of Health Minister Balbir Singh.
What actions have been taken against the medical staff involved?
Three doctors have been suspended, and a house surgeon has been dismissed due to negligence.
How many medical positions are currently vacant in Punjab's civil hospitals?
Out of 2,098 sanctioned specialist posts, 990 are vacant, and 1,962 out of 3,847 general medical officer positions remain unfilled.
What is the main criticism of the AAP government regarding healthcare?
The main criticism is that the AAP government has dismantled a previously effective health system in Punjab while trying to impose a flawed health model from Delhi.
