DSP who sought Rs 80 lakh from Punjab govt to fund his lung transplant post Covid-19 dies in Ludhiana

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, June 9

DSP Harjinder Singh, who had sought Rs 80 lakh from the Punjab government for lung transplant post Covid-19 died in SPS Apollo Hospital in Ludhiana on Wednesday.

His friend, Harry Sharma, said the Punjab government could not arrange funds and means for the lung transplant.

The DSP had posted a heart-rending video a few days back from the hospital saying the government should fund his treatment instead of giving ex-gratia relief after his death.

“Fund my treatment and give me a chance to live, instead of giving compensation after my death,” Deputy Jail Superintendent Harjinder Singh had appealed from a hospital bed after having lost both lungs to the Covid-19 infection.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had agreed in principle to help the officer.

Lung transplant procedure may cost Rs 80 lakh, but there are no government rules to fund it.

Under norms for ex-gratia to kin of frontline workers dying of Covid-19, up to Rs 50 lakh is given.

While there are no government rules to fund the cost of a lung transplant, which is around Rs 80 lakh, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had agreed in principle to help the officer.

DGP Dinkar Gupta tweeted that the CM had decided to support DSP’s treatment. The CM has released some funds from his discretionary quota, while Ludhiana Police Commissioner Rakesh Aggarwal has ensured free treatment for the officer at a private hospital in the city.

The DSP, a divorcee, is survived by three children — a 21-year-old daughter, married and settled in Canada, and two sons, aged 16 and six. In his video appeal, the DSP says the government will pay compensation to his family and maybe give a job to a family member after his death, but he has a chance to survive if he gets a lung transplant immediately. I can take care of my family on my own,” he says, struggling to catch a breath.

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