Health Minister Shocked by Hospital Sanitation Failures

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao initiated a surprise inspection at Panchkula's civil hospital on Wednesday, expressing significant dissatisfaction with the prevailing sanitation and security conditions.

The minister observed a critical lapse in duty allocation for the 16 to 17 sanitation workers deployed, leading to poor cleanliness despite available personnel. She directed officials to immediately streamline sanitation duty assignments and requested a comprehensive list of deployed workers.

During her visit, Rao toured various hospital sections, including the emergency, labor, NICU, OPD, ICU, ENT, and orthopaedic wards. She engaged with patients, who generally reported satisfaction with the medical staff's conduct and services.

Concerns were also raised regarding the security of female patients. The minister mandated the deployment of additional security personnel in the women's ward to ensure a safe and respectful treatment environment.

Furthermore, the health minister addressed patient complaints about being advised to purchase medicines from external pharmacies. She issued a stern warning against prescribing outside medicines without valid justification, emphasizing the use of hospital-provided medications.

The minister also reviewed the hospital's newborn care facilities and noted issues with water leakage in certain wards, indicating she would coordinate with the Public Works Minister for necessary repairs. Services at the new hospital building were urged to commence promptly.