High court seeks report on power backup at Rajindra Hospital Patiala after surgery disruption

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today directed the state of Punjab to clarify whether a backup power supply is available at Rajindra Hospital Patiala. The directive comes amid concerns over the interruption of a cancer surgery due to a power outage in the hospital’s emergency operation theatre.

“The state counsel is directed to seek instructions from the relevant department or functionary of Punjab as to whether any backup for electric supply is available at the hospital,” the bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel asserted.

The incident, captured in a viral video showing a doctor voicing concerns over power tripping and its impact on patient safety, has sparked a debate on the healthcare infrastructure in Punjab. Acting on a public interest litigation, the bench also scheduled the next hearing for February 6.

The petitioner, advocate Sunaina appearing in person, has prayed for stringent measures to ensure reliable power supply to all government and semi-government hospitals, particularly in critical areas like emergency operation theatres. She has also urged the court to initiate disciplinary action against the officials responsible for the lapse.