— Patients seen waiting in queues as registration counters and OPD rooms remained closed during inspection conducted by Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh
— Dr Balbir Singh directs strict adherence to timings, warns against inconvenience to patients
Chandigarh, March 13:
In a stern move against dereliction of duty, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh conducted a surprise inspection at Civil Hospital Fatehgarh Sahib, on Thursday morning, and found that registration counters and outdoor patient department (OPD) rooms were closed, leaving patients waiting in long queues. The staff responsible for managing these critical services were also found missing from their posts.
Taking immediate action, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, on the directions of the Health Minister, has served Show Cause Notices (SCNs) to the Civil Surgeon and Senior Medical Officer (SMO) of Civil Hospital, Fatehgarh Sahib, holding them accountable for this serious administrative lapse. The officials have been directed to submit their replies by the end of the day.
Expressing his displeasure over the situation, the Health Minister said, “It is unacceptable that patients were left waiting in queues while the registration counters and OPD rooms remained closed. Such negligence will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Reaffirming the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s firm commitment towards the patients welfare, Dr Balbir Singh issued strict directives to all health officials to ensure opening of registration counters at all government health facilities by 8.30 am, and OPD services must begin promptly at 9 am.
“The inconvenience caused to patients in government health institutions is completely unacceptable. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards such lapses, and strict action will be taken to ensure timely and efficient care for all patients,” the Minister added.
