‘Probe into Jalandhar hospital deaths not over yet, more heads to roll’: Health Minister

Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday said the enquiry into the lapses leading to three deaths at the Civil Hospital in Jalandhar was still ongoing and more heads could roll in the coming days. The minster’s comment comes during his third visit to the hospital, after the deaths of three patients due to the snapping of oxygen supply on July 27.

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The declaration comes a day after he ordered suspensions of three doctors —medical superintendent Dr Raj Kumar, SMO Dr Surjit Singh and consultant anaesthetist Dr Sunakshi — and one house surgeon Dr Shivinder Singh in the wake of the tragedy.

The minister also said the oxygen, power, fire alarms and medicine and patient care systems at the hospital must be functional at all times and no lapses regarding the same would be tolerated. He said while the hospital had many doctors, other staff will also be provided by the government – work on which was already on. He added that the state government would also reach out to the families of the victims but was allowing a bereavement period first to cope with the loss. On the issue of compensation, he said the state government stands with the families.

Addressing a serious dearth of technical staff, he said, “We will be providing adequate technical staff. Like teaching institutes — where we have enough specialists — similarly technicians will also be trained and provided. We are bringing these reforms. A liquid oxygen plant at the hospital, which is currently low maintenance, will also be made functional. Doctors should also be well-versed with where oxygen is coming from and where the backup is. The workings of all the hospitals in the state is being streamlined.”

Speaking on the status of the probe into the three deaths, the minister said, “The probe is currently ongoing and responsibility will be fixed — including others who might be found erring. The investigation is not over yet. We are talking to all involved and a free and independent probe is being ensured.”