Khanna moves human rights panel over health staff shortage

Former Rajya Sabha member Avinash Rai Khanna has urged the human rights commission to take cognizance of the severe staff shortage being faced by rural health centres in Phagwara, terming the issue a serious violation of human rights due to the alleged inaction of concerned public servants.

In a written communication dated May 20, 2026, Khanna referred to a news report titled “Rural health centres in Phagwara struggle amid severe staff shortage,” published in The Tribune. He stated that the condition of rural healthcare services highlighted in the report reflects the hardships being faced by residents due to inadequate medical staff and insufficient healthcare facilities.

He appealed to the commission to intervene in the matter and initiate necessary action to address the issue at the earliest. Khanna further requested that details regarding the action taken in the matter be communicated to him. The issue of shortage of doctors and paramedical staff in rural healthcare institutions has remained a matter of concern in several parts of Punjab, with residents often facing difficulties in accessing timely medical treatment.