JALANDHAR
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Thursday announced that the state government is setting up a robust four-layer backup system to ensure uninterrupted oxygen and power supply, firefighting systems, water, and sanitation services in all government hospitals. He said the initiative is aimed at strengthening critical care infrastructure to prevent any future lapses in patient safety.
The Minister was visiting Shaheed Babu Labh Singh Civil Hospital in Jalandhar where he held a meeting with health officials and issued key directions for systemic improvements. While interacting with media, Dr. Singh reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment to providing top-class healthcare services, stating that lives cannot be put at risk due to system failures.
Referring to the tragic death of three patients in Jalandhar Civil Hospital, the Minister said a follow-uinquiry has been initiated to ascertain the lapses in detail and strict action will be taken further against those found guilty. “There is zero margin for error in ICUs. The inquiry will leave no stone unturned,” he asserted.
Highlighting improvements in staffing, Dr. Singh shared that house surgeons are now being paid over Rs. 70,000 per month—more than double the previous stipend—which has led to an increase in recruitments in government hospitals.
The Minister also criticized opposition MLAs for politicizing the tragedy, questioning why functional oxygen plants and hotline systems were never ensured during their decades-long rule. “Instead of pointing fingers, they should introspect their failure in strengthening healthcare infrastructure,” he said.
Dr. Singh personally inspected the oxygen plant and power backup systems and assured bereaved families of full government support. “We stand firmly with them in this hour of grief and will ensure such incidents do not recur,” he added.