JALANDHAR, July 31 — Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Thursday confirmed that the investigation into the deaths of three patients at Civil Hospital, Jalandhar, due to a snapped oxygen supply is still underway, and further action against erring officials is expected in the coming days.
“The probe is not yet over,” the minister said during his third visit to the hospital since the July 27 tragedy. “Responsibility will be fixed, and more heads may roll. We are ensuring a free and independent investigation by talking to all those involved.”
Dr. Singh’s remarks came a day after he ordered the suspension of four medical personnel: Medical Superintendent Dr. Raj Kumar, SMO Dr. Surjit Singh, consultant anaesthetist Dr. Sunakshi, and house surgeon Dr. Shivinder Singh.
While expressing sorrow over the incident, the minister stressed the need for a complete overhaul of hospital systems, saying, “Oxygen, power, fire alarms, medicine, and patient care mechanisms must be functional at all times. Any lapse will not be tolerated.”
He announced that more technical staff would be deployed soon, alongside reforms aimed at improving hospital infrastructure. “Just like teaching institutions have enough specialists, technicians will also be trained and assigned,” he said. “We are working to streamline the functioning of all government hospitals in the state.”
Dr. Singh also revealed that efforts were underway to operationalise the hospital’s low-maintenance liquid oxygen plant. “Doctors should be well-versed in knowing where oxygen is sourced from and what the backup system is,” he added.
On the question of compensation, he stated, “The government stands firmly with the families of the victims. We are currently allowing a period of mourning before formally reaching out.”
The minister reaffirmed the state’s commitment to preventing such incidents in the future and improving healthcare infrastructure across Punjab.
