Surprise Visit Highlights Gaps in Healthcare Delivery; Free Medicine Policy Stressed
Rupnagar:
During an unannounced inspection at the Civil Hospital Rupnagar, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh expressed serious concern over patients being directed to purchase medicines from outside pharmacies. In response, he issued a show-cause notice to the concerned hospital officials, calling it a violation of the government’s free medicine policy.
Dr. Singh reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership. He said the state has implemented a policy to provide free medicines and diagnostic tests to economically weaker patients and emphasized strict adherence to this initiative.
Free Medicine Policy and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Minister pointed out that the Health Department has stocked over 400 types of medicines in its central warehouse. Any additional medicines needed must also be made available through the hospital system itself—not private vendors.
He also noted that in an effort to improve public healthcare delivery, new hospital buildings are being constructed across the state, and existing facilities are being upgraded.
Recruitment Drive to Boost Health Workforce
Dr. Singh shared that the government is actively recruiting 1,000 doctors to strengthen hospital staffing. He added that more registration counters will be introduced in hospitals to reduce patient wait times and improve overall efficiency.
Minister’s Visits Aim to Ensure Accountability
As part of efforts to build a healthy and drug-free Punjab, the Health Minister is personally conducting surprise inspections of government hospitals to identify and correct service gaps. He reaffirmed that prompt action will be taken against any negligence in public health services.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Balwinder Kaur, medical officers, and the entire hospital staff were present during the inspection.
