Health Minister Slams Hospital Over Grime, Leaks

Haryana's Health Minister, Aarti Singh Rao, recently conducted an unannounced visit to the civil hospital in Panchkula's Sector 6, identifying serious deficiencies in sanitation and infrastructure.

During her inspection, Minister Rao toured various departments, including the emergency ward, ICU, and labour room, while also gathering feedback from patients. Although many patients praised the doctors and nursing staff, the minister expressed strong disapproval of the hospital's poor cleanliness standards and noted a leaking roof in the labour room, prompting immediate reprimand for the principal medical officer.

Further issues included doctors not adhering to guidelines by prescribing generic medicines. Minister Rao summoned three doctors for this lapse and stressed that patients should receive medicines from the hospital whenever available, without valid external prescriptions. She also instructed the civil surgeon to enhance air-conditioning facilities in preparation for the summer and directed the public works department to expedite necessary repairs.

Reviewing security arrangements, particularly in the women's ward, the minister called for increased security personnel if needed. She reiterated the government's commitment, as directed by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, to closely monitor state hospitals for better healthcare, cleanliness, and patient safety, and requested a detailed report on sanitation staff deployment.