In a surprise inspection at Fatehgarh Sahib Civil Hospital, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday found registration counters and OPD rooms shut, leaving patients stranded in long queues. Shocked by the negligence, he took immediate action, directing the issuance of show-cause notices to the Civil Surgeon and Senior Medical Officer (SMO) for failing in their duties.
The notices, served by Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, hold the officials accountable for the lapse, with strict instructions to submit explanations by the end of the day.
Calling the situation unacceptable, Dr Balbir warned, “Patients cannot be made to suffer due to administrative negligence. Such lapses will not be tolerated.” He further directed that all government hospital registration counters must open by 8:30 am and OPD services must start by 9 am sharp.
Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann-led government’s commitment to patient welfare, the minister stressed a zero-tolerance policy for negligence and vowed strict action to ensure efficient, timely healthcare services across Punjab.
