Chandigarh: Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has alleged that a private hospital in Mohali denied emergency treatment to patients despite having vacant beds, accusing the management of putting profit before patients’ lives.
Minister Claims Beds Were Empty
Bains said that during a visit to Max Hospital, Mohali, he found empty beds in the emergency ward while patients were left waiting outside in ambulances. He recorded a video from inside the hospital and spoke to attendants who alleged delays in admission.
“Money Over Human Life,” Says Minister
“It is shocking to see that for some hospitals, money is more important than human life. While patients are charged lakhs, they are made to suffer outside. I respect doctors as another form of God, but such management practices are painful to witness,” Bains stated.
Patient from Himachal Kept Waiting
Highlighting a case, the Minister alleged that an elderly woman from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh had to wait 20–25 minutes in an ambulance before being denied admission and sent to another hospital for treatment.
Video Shared on Social Media
In a video uploaded to his social media handle, Bains alleged that hospital staff delayed ICU admission until formalities and payments were completed. He claimed that two ambulances with patients were waiting outside, even as emergency beds were vacant.
Hospital Denies Allegations
The hospital, however, issued a clarification stating that no ICU beds were available when the patient arrived. It said the 60-year-old woman had been admitted earlier and discharged on September 22 but returned in serious condition requiring ICU care.
Patient Shifted Once Bed Available
According to the hospital, the patient’s family was informed about the bed shortage, and she was admitted once a Coronary Care Unit (CCU) bed became available. The incident has sparked debate over private hospital accountability and patient rights.
