Punjab Health Minister Suspends Patiala Hospital Staff After Viral Video Shows Patient Injured

Balbir Singh has ordered the immediate suspension of a contractual employee at Government Mata Kaushalya Hospital following a violent incident that left a patient injured. The action came after a video of the episode went viral on social media, drawing widespread concern over safety and conduct in public healthcare facilities.

According to officials, the employee, identified as Gurpreet Singh, allegedly punched and shattered a glass panel at the OPD registration counter on Wednesday. The impact caused glass shards to scatter, injuring a woman patient who reportedly suffered significant bleeding. The incident has raised serious questions about discipline and patient safety within the hospital premises.

Taking swift action, the minister described the behaviour as reckless and unacceptable, stating that any form of misconduct with patients would not be tolerated in government hospitals. He ordered a departmental inquiry into the matter and directed that the employee be served a one-month notice before being relieved from service. Authorities indicated that further action could follow based on the findings of the investigation.

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During a surprise inspection of the hospital earlier in the day, Balbir Singh reviewed the OPD registration system and assessed the overall functioning of the facility. He instructed medical officers to deploy additional staff at registration counters to manage the heavy patient load and reduce waiting times, which often lead to overcrowding and tension among patients and staff.

The minister also issued a broader directive to healthcare workers across Punjab, urging them to treat patients with compassion and professionalism. He emphasised the need for maintaining a “soft heart and a cool head” while dealing with the public, particularly in high-pressure environments such as government hospitals.

Government Mata Kaushalya Hospital, a key district-level healthcare centre, caters to nearly 1,700 patients, making it one of the busiest public hospitals in the region. The incident has renewed focus on the importance of discipline, infrastructure safety, and staff conduct, as the government reiterates its commitment to improving public healthcare standards and ensuring patient safety.

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