Dilapidated infrastructure, hygiene lapses and vaccine shortages flagged; government asked to submit report
Panchkula | Amid growing concerns over the state of public healthcare infrastructure, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has directed the Additional Chief Secretary, Health, to appoint a senior officer to probe the poor condition of the Sector 6 civil hospital in Panchkula. The commission emphasized that “health is a basic human right” and demanded a detailed report ahead of the next hearing.
The action comes in response to a formal complaint by SK Nayar, president of the Panchkula Citizens Welfare Association, who alleged longstanding neglect and unsafe conditions at the general hospital.
Leaking Roofs, Locked Toilets, No Power Backup
Following his inspection, Nayar submitted a list of disturbing observations:
- Leaking roofs in doctors’ rooms and patient wards.
- Lack of routine maintenance, both inside the building and on its premises.
- No proper garbage disposal system.
- Shabby, locked toilets, forcing patients and attendants to suffer.
- Frequent power failures, leaving the emergency ward, ICU, and maternity ward in darkness.
- Essential vaccinations, such as rabies shots, unavailable.
Nayar also raised serious concerns about lax security, citing five open entry points and non-functional CCTV cameras, raising questions about patient safety.
HHRC Calls Out “Gross Violation of Human Rights”
The commission took strong note of the allegations and stated in its observation:
“Right to Health is a basic human right. Maintaining cleanliness in government hospitals is critically important for patient safety, infection control, and ensuring a positive healing environment. Neglecting cleanliness and basic infrastructure where crucial patients are present amounts to a gross violation of human rights.”
Next Steps
The commission has requested the health department to submit a comprehensive report following the internal inquiry. Accountability measures are expected to follow if negligence is established.
This case highlights systemic issues in public health infrastructure and reinforces the urgent need for investment in hospital maintenance, basic amenities, and oversight. Public health advocates have long called for reforms in hospital upkeep, especially in high-footfall urban centers like Panchkula.
