Strap: Suspension and dismissal of doctors are wholly insufficient: Bajwa
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Thursday, unequivocally held the AAP-led Punjab govt accountable for the tragic deaths of three patients caused by a disrupted oxygen supply at Jalandhar Civil Hospital and strongly demanded the resignation of the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Balbir Singh.
Bajwa stated that the Punjab Health Ministry's recent actions—including suspending three doctors and dismissing a house surgeon—are a clear indication of the gross negligence permeating this administration. "Suspension and dismissal of doctors are wholly insufficient. The health minister must accept moral responsibility and resign without delay," Bajwa asserted.
Senior Congress Leader Bajwa did not hold back in denouncing the AAP government for its disastrous handling of Punjab's public health system, which has deteriorated significantly under their 3.5-year tenure.
He stated, "In their reckless pursuit to impose a rejected health model from Delhi, the AAP government has dismantled the well-functioning health system of Punjab," underscoring the urgent need for a tailored approach that truly serves the people of Punjab.
The opposition leader highlighted a shocking oversight: a ward servant was operating the critical oxygen plant instead of a trained technician when the incident occurred. This severe negligence reflects the AAP government's failure to strengthen health infrastructure and its incompetence in hiring qualified personnel.
Bajwa demanded immediate and decisive action to rectify these grave oversights, emphasizing that the people of Punjab deserve a healthcare system that prioritizes their safety and well-being.
Bajwa also expressed outrage over the acute shortage of medical specialists in Punjab's civil hospitals, revealing that out of 2,098 sanctioned specialist posts, a staggering 990 are vacant. Moreover, 1,962 out of 3,847 general medical officer positions remain unfilled, a shocking 51% vacancy rate that must be addressed immediately.