Deaths at Jalandhar hospital: Partap Singh Bajwa demands Punjab Health Minister's resignation

The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Thursday, unequivocally held the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government accountable for the tragic deaths of three patients caused by a disrupted oxygen supply at Jalandhar Civil Hospital. He also demanded the resignation of the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Balbir Singh.

Bajwa stated that the Punjab Health Ministry's recent actions — including suspending three doctors and dismissing a house surgeon — are a clear indication of the gross negligence permeating this administration.

"Suspension and dismissal of doctors are wholly insufficient. The health minister must accept moral responsibility and resign without delay," Bajwa asserted.

Bajwa did not hold back in denouncing the AAP government for its disastrous handling of Punjab's public health system, which has deteriorated significantly under the party's 3.5-year tenure.

He stated, "In its reckless pursuit to impose a rejected health model from Delhi, the AAP government has dismantled the well-functioning health system of Punjab," underscoring the urgent need for a tailored approach that truly serves the people of the state.

Bajwa also expressed outrage over the acute shortage of medical specialists in Punjab's civil hospitals, revealing that out of 2,098 sanctioned specialist posts, 990 are vacant. Moreover, 1,962 out of 3,847 general medical officer positions remain unfilled — a shocking 51 per cent vacancy rate that must be addressed immediately.