Punjab Human Rights Commission seeks report on non-functional oxygen plants in govt hospitals
Taking serious note of allegations regarding non-functional oxygen plants in two government hospitals, the Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission has sought a detailed report from the Civil Surgeon, Kapurthala, after a complaint claimed that oxygen generation plants installed at Civil Hospitals in Phagwara and Kapurthala have remained defunct for the last eight years, forcing authorities to depend on externally refilled oxygen cylinders for patient needs.
The matter was brought before the Commission through a complaint sent on March 11, 2026, via WhatsApp by former Rajya Sabha member Avinash Rai Khanna, who enclosed a news clipping highlighting the alleged prolonged non-operative condition of the plants.
After examining the complaint, the Commission observed the allegations related to prolonged non-operational medical oxygen facilities in public hospitals and noted that the matter prima facie concerns human rights issues connected with healthcare services. Acting on its own cognizance, the Commission directed that the issue be placed before the Civil Surgeon, Kapurthala, for inquiry and submission of a report one week before the next date of hearing.
The Commission further ordered that copies of the complaint and its directions be sent to the Civil Surgeon through email and post for compliance, while another copy was ordered to be forwarded to the complainant for information. The case has now been listed for further hearing on June 16, 2026. The order was passed on April 9, 2026, by Chairperson Justice Sant Parkash and Member Justice Gurbir Singh.
