Ludhiana Health Dept faces heat over hospital death case

More than a year after the death of a patient at the Ludhiana Civil Hospital, whose body was reportedly left on a bed alongside a patient, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission has sought an explanation from the Health Department regarding the disciplinary action taken against doctors involved in the incident.

During a recent hearing, the department sent a senior assistant from the E-2 branch of the office of the Director Health, who failed to provide satisfactory answers to the Commission’s queries.

The case was brought to the Commission’s attention by social activist Arvind Sharma. In its initial response, the then Civil Surgeon of Ludhiana acknowledged managerial negligence by the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) and the Emergency Medical Officer (EMO).

The commission has now given directions that a responsible officer be present at the next hearing.