Haryana Health Minister Conducts Surprise Inspection at Panchkula Civil Hospital
In a significant move to ensure healthcare quality, Haryana Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao carried out an unannounced inspection of the Civil Hospital in Panchkula's Sector 6 on Wednesday. The visit revealed several critical shortcomings in cleanliness, infrastructure, and adherence to medical protocols, prompting immediate corrective actions.
Minister Uncovers Sanitation and Infrastructure Deficiencies
During her thorough examination of the facility, Minister Rao expressed strong displeasure over poor sanitation observed in various sections of the hospital. She personally visited multiple departments including the emergency ward, outpatient department (OPD), intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), labor room, ENT, and orthopedics units to assess patient care standards and available facilities.
The minister interacted directly with patients and their attendants to gather firsthand feedback regarding treatment quality, medicine availability, and overall hospital services. While many patients reported satisfaction with the behavior of doctors and nursing staff, the sanitation issues remained a primary concern that required urgent attention.
Doctors Summoned for Violating Generic Medicine Prescription Rules
In a particularly serious finding, Minister Rao summoned three doctors after discovering they were not prescribing generic medicines as mandated under government guidelines. She made it unequivocally clear that prescribing medicines from outside sources without valid justification would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The minister directed concerned officials to ensure patients receive medicines directly from the hospital pharmacy whenever available, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) framework. She also inspected the Jan Aushadhi center operating under this scheme to review medicine availability and distribution mechanisms.
Infrastructure Lapses and Security Concerns Addressed
During her inspection of the labor room, Minister Rao noticed a leaking roof and immediately reprimanded the principal medical officer for this infrastructure lapse. She directed Public Works Department officials to expedite repair work and ensure such deficiencies do not compromise patient care or safety.
The minister also reviewed security arrangements throughout the hospital, with particular focus on the women's ward. She instructed hospital administration to deploy additional security personnel if necessary to guarantee the safety and comfort of female patients receiving treatment at the facility.
Minister Issues Directives for Comprehensive Improvements
Minister Rao issued several specific directives following her inspection. She ordered hospital authorities to implement strict cleanliness and sanitation standards across all wards without delay. Recognizing the approaching summer months, she instructed the civil surgeon to improve air-conditioning arrangements to prevent inconvenience for patients traveling from distant areas.
The minister emphasized that these measures align with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's directive for close monitoring of government hospitals across the state. She has asked the director general of the health department to submit a detailed report on sanitation staff deployment at the hospital, ensuring proper resource allocation for maintenance activities.
Accountability and Patient-Centric Care Emphasized
Throughout her visit, Minister Rao stressed the importance of accountability among healthcare professionals. She stated that doctors and hospital staff must discharge their duties with honesty and dedication, ensuring all patients receive proper treatment and facilities in government hospitals.
The surprise inspection represents a proactive approach to healthcare governance in Haryana, with Minister Rao demonstrating zero tolerance for lapses that affect patient welfare. The comprehensive review covered multiple aspects of hospital operations, from infrastructure maintenance to medication protocols, signaling a renewed focus on healthcare quality across the state's medical facilities.
