Minister orders suspension of Khanna Civil Hospital doc

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh on Friday ordered immediate suspension of a gynaecologist at the Khanna Civil Hospital for negligence in a pregnant woman’s delivery case. He warned that the doctor’s medical licence could be revoked and legal action may follow after further investigation.

The incident occurred recently when the gynaecologist failed to attend to a critical delivery case despite being informed by the on-duty medical officer. Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Maninder Singh Bhasin stepped in to perform the emergency operation, successfully saving the patient’s life.

Dr Balbir Singh emphasised: “Any negligence in patient care is unacceptable and will face strict consequences.”

Following the incident, a three-member committee, comprising an SMO and two specialists, was constituted to investigate the matter. The committee’s report found the gynaecologist’s failure to address the case with due seriousness.

In response to queries about shortage of doctors in Doraha and Payal government hospitals, Dr Singh noted that the state had recruited approximately 3,000 healthcare workers recently, with plans to recruit 1,000 additional doctors soon. He outlined plans to ensure 24-hour maternal and child care, emergency services and initial treatment for heart attacks and neurological conditions at the district-level and highways adjacent government hospitals. Additionally, he said the government would establish 10-12 advanced hospitals across the state for specialised treatments, including heart surgeries, organ transplants and orthopaedic care.

Ludhiana