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5d ago

Punjab Expands Probe into Jalandhar Hospital Oxygen Deaths

A PCMSA representative has joined the PHSC investigation that is set to recommend additional suspensions and hospital reforms.

Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh inspecting the Jalandhar civil hospital after the incident early on Monday. (HT Photo)
Pargat Singh, Jalandhar Cantt MLA said, “The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government cannot escape responsibility by merely suspending a few doctors”. (HT File)
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Following a preliminary investigation that revealed gross negligence, the health minister announced that several top hospital officials had been suspended, including medical superintendent Dr Raj Kumar, senior medical officer Dr Surjit Singh and consultant anaesthesiologist Dr Sunakshi. Dr Shaminder Singh, the house surgeon, was also terminated immediately. (HT)

Overview

  • A high-level PHSC technical inquiry into the July 27 oxygen supply failure at Jalandhar Civil Hospital is ongoing and may lead to more suspensions or dismissals beyond the initial four officials.
  • The state government has mandated 24×7 medical oxygen availability, functional UPS units and generator backups in all critical care units across Punjab’s government hospitals.
  • Opposition MLA Pargat Singh has urged the filing of FIRs against those responsible and called for accountability extending to senior health department officials and hospital administrators.
  • Health Minister Balbir Singh has proposed mandatory training on oxygen-plant operations for all medical and support staff and has conducted surprise inspections at other district hospitals.
  • The probe panel will now include a Punjab Civil Medical Services Association representative to ensure transparency and stakeholder participation in the ongoing inquiry.