Health Minister Vows Zero Tolerance, Multiple Inquiries Initiated
Jalandhar: In a deeply disturbing incident, a doctor employed at a private hospital in Jalandhar has come under scrutiny after two shocking videos went viral on social media — one allegedly showing him consuming drugs during duty hours and another capturing an alleged physical assault on a woman.
The first video, reportedly filmed secretly by a woman, appears to show the doctor using a card to crush a white powder and then sniffing it. When the woman tried to capture the act on camera, the doctor is seen trying to stop her and eventually snatching her phone, abruptly ending the recording.
A second video, reportedly CCTV footage, shows the same doctor allegedly slapping a woman in front of bystanders. These incidents are said to have taken place in Dasuya, Hoshiarpur, though the doctor is currently working at a private hospital in Jalandhar, according to TrueCoopNews.
Taking immediate note of the viral clips, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has launched a multi-agency probe. Speaking to the media on Thursday morning, Dr. Singh confirmed that both police and health department officials have been tasked with a thorough investigation.
“The Punjab government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, regardless of who is involved,”
said Dr. Balbir Singh in his statement to Hindustan Times.
The Civil Surgeon, Dr. Gurmeet Lal, and the Rama Mandi Police are jointly heading the investigation. Additionally, a drug inspector has been deputed to collect samples and assist in the ongoing inquiry.
Dr. Singh told The Tribune that a formal police and departmental investigation was launched soon after the videos surfaced. He stressed that drug abuse is a societal menace not limited to any specific class or profession and reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling the problem head-on.
“An inquiry is already in progress… I appreciate the media’s role in exposing such cases. We are determined to uphold professional ethics and safeguard public trust in our healthcare system,”
the minister added.
As of now, official confirmation regarding the identity of the doctor or any arrest is awaited. The incident has sparked outrage on social platforms, with many demanding strict legal and professional consequences.
The Punjab Health Department is expected to release a detailed report on the case following the completion of the inquiry.
