Fatehgarh Sahib, March 13— Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh conducted a surprise inspection at Civil Hospital Fatehgarh Sahib on Thursday morning, finding registration counters and OPD rooms closed while patients waited in long queues. Several staff members responsible for these services were absent.
Following the minister’s directives, Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Hitinder Kaur issued show-cause notices to the Civil Surgeon and Senior Medical Officer (SMO), demanding explanations by the end of the day.
“It is unacceptable that patients are left waiting while essential services remain shut. Such negligence will not be tolerated,” Dr. Balbir Singh stated.
He reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to patient welfare and directed all government hospitals to open registration counters by 8:30 AM and start OPD services by 9:00 AM. “We have a zero-tolerance policy for negligence. Timely and proper treatment must be ensured for all patients,” he added.
