Contractual employee suspended for misconduct at Mata Kaushalya Hospital; to be relieved from service after one-month notice
Patiala News (April 2): Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has asserted in strong terms that any form of misbehavior with patients in government hospitals will not be tolerated. During a surprise visit to Government Mata Kaushalya Hospital here today, the Health Minister ordered the immediate suspension of a contractual employee who had misbehaved with a patient at the OPD registration counter yesterday.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, Dr. Balbir Singh said he was distressed after watching the viral video in which the employee punched and broke a glass panel, resulting in injuries to a female patient. He noted that such reckless behavior could have caused serious harm to other patients as well, and therefore cannot be condoned under any circumstances. He informed that a departmental inquiry has been ordered and the concerned employee, Gurpreet Singh, will be served a one-month notice and subsequently relieved from service.
Reviewing the OPD registration arrangements, the Health Minister directed SMO Dr. Vikas Goyal and Dr. Jaideep Bhatia to deploy additional staff at the registration counter to minimize waiting time for patients. He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring improved healthcare services, as the Aam Aadmi Party government aims to provide quality healthcare and better education to the people.
Dr. Balbir Singh further stated that clear instructions have been issued to doctors and support staff across government hospitals to maintain a “soft heart and a cool head,” meaning they must adopt a compassionate and patient-friendly approach. He added that patients often visit hospitals in distress or pain, and even if some behave irrationally due to their condition, the staff must handle such situations with patience and empathy.
Appreciating the efforts of doctors and staff nurses at Mata Kaushalya Hospital, the Minister said that 99.9 percent of the staff serve patients with dedication, honesty, and commitment, while strict action will be taken against the remaining few who fail to uphold standards of conduct.
He also made it clear that any unruly behavior or violence by patients or their attendants will invite strict action, and police cases have been registered in several such instances. He assured that staff members displaying exemplary compassion will be encouraged, while those found guilty of misconduct will face consequences.
Highlighting the facilities at Mata Kaushalya Hospital, Dr. Balbir Singh said it is one of Punjab’s key district-level civil hospitals, equipped with ICU, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric ICU, and various specialty services. DNB courses are also being conducted at the hospital, which caters to approximately 1,500 to 1,700 patients. He reiterated that further improving services at the hospital remains a key priority.
