Kasni visits PGIMS to probe treatment provided to ex-CM

ROHTAK: Pradeep Kasni, director-general (medical education and research) and secretary, Government of Haryana, today visited the local PGIMS and interacted with the institute officials. PGIMS Medical Superintendent Dr Ashok Chauhan, said, “The purpose of this visit was two-fold – to assess the functioning of the institute and scope for improvement, and to look into the allegations pertaining to the treatment provided to late Chief Minister Hukam Singh.”

Pradeep Kasni, Director-General, Medical Education and Research Development, at the PGIMS in Rohtak on Tuesday. Photo: Manoj Dhaka

Sunit Dhawan

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, March 3

Pradeep Kasni, director-general (medical education and research) and secretary, Government of Haryana, today visited the local PGIMS and interacted with the institute officials.

PGIMS Medical Superintendent Dr Ashok Chauhan, said, “The purpose of this visit was two-fold – to assess the functioning of the institute and scope for improvement, and to look into the allegations pertaining to the treatment provided to late Chief Minister Hukam Singh.”

Kasni paid a courtesy visit at the University of Health Sciences officiating vice-chancellor VK Jain, and then met the top functionaries at the PGIMS. He also interacted with several patients undergoing treatment in different wards and wings of the institute.

Later, talking to mediapersons, Kasni conceded that there was a huge scope for improvement in the functioning of the institute. He said vigilance committees should be constituted to monitor the day-to-day working of the PGIMS.

On being asked about the treatment provided to late CM Hukam Singh, Kasni said he was not satisfied with the replies of the PGIMS officials/doctors in this regard and it appeared that the protocol was not followed.

He, however, maintained the inquiry was not over as he was yet to meet the family members of the late Chief Minister and get their version. Kasni left for Dadri to meet the ex-CM’s family, thereafter.

Hukam Singh was admitted to the PGIMS on February 12 and discharged on February 25, following which he was taken to a private hospital at Gurgaon. He passed away on February 26.

The late CM’s attendants had alleged they had to wait for the ambulance for over two hours. Health Minister Anil Vij had ordered an inquiry.

The PGIMS authorities conducted an inquiry and asserted that Hukam Singh was provided the best possible treatment and he (the late CM) was satisfied with it. They said he was discharged on the request of his family members and an ambulance was provided within nine minutes.

Not satisfied with the inquiry report, the state government asked Kasni to probe the matter. While leaving for Dadri, Kasni said he would submit his report soon.