Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao carried out a surprise inspection at the civil hospital in Panchkula and expressed dissatisfaction over sanitation conditions and security arrangements at the facility. The minister directed officials to immediately streamline management systems and ensure better services for patients.
Concern Over Sanitation Management
During the inspection, Rao noted that although around 16–17 sanitation workers were deployed at the hospital, there was no clear record detailing their assigned duties. Taking serious note of the issue, she instructed officials to urgently establish a proper monitoring mechanism.
She also directed the Director General of the health department to submit a detailed list of sanitation staff deployed at the hospital at the earliest.
The minister further said the government is considering implementing a public-private partnership (PPP) model to improve sanitation services and maintain higher standards of cleanliness in government hospitals.
Directions to Improve Patient Facilities
Emphasising that hospital cleanliness must remain a top priority, the minister instructed the civil surgeon to ensure proper maintenance of the air-conditioning system in view of the upcoming summer season. She noted that patients travelling from distant areas should not face discomfort due to poor infrastructure.
During the visit, Rao inspected several departments including the emergency ward, labour room, NICU ward, OPD, ICU, ENT and orthopaedic units. She also interacted with patients and attendants to gather feedback regarding treatment, availability of medicines and hospital facilities.
According to the official statement, most patients expressed satisfaction with the behaviour and services of doctors and nursing staff.
Review of Medicine Availability and Jan Aushadhi Centre
The minister also inspected the Jan Aushadhi Centre functioning under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana at the hospital and reviewed the availability of medicines. She instructed officials to check various counters and verify whether medicines were available as required.
During the inspection, some patients complained that medicines were being prescribed from outside the hospital. Taking cognisance of the matter, Rao summoned three doctors and issued strict directions to the hospital administration.
She made it clear that medicines available within the hospital must be provided to patients from the facility itself and prescribing outside medicines without valid justification would not be tolerated.
Focus on Women’s Safety and Hospital Infrastructure
The health minister also reviewed security arrangements in the women’s ward and stressed that ensuring the safety of female patients is paramount. She directed the hospital administration to deploy additional security personnel in the women’s ward and other sensitive areas.
Rao also visited the newborn ward to review arrangements for infant care and assessed overall facilities available for newborns.
Referring to infrastructure issues, she noted complaints regarding water leakage from the ceiling in some wards. The minister said she would request Ranbir Singh Gangwa, Haryana’s Public Works Minister, to ensure the repairs are carried out at the earliest.
She also instructed officials to begin services at the new hospital building as soon as possible.
Government’s Focus on Clean Healthcare Facilities
Highlighting the state government’s priorities, Rao said that under the directions of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, special emphasis is being placed on cleanliness, improved healthcare services and women’s safety across government hospitals in Haryana.
