Punjab health department has suspended Dr Esha Verma, senior medical officer (SMO) at Nangal civil hospital, and transferred the hospital’s pathologist, Dr Surinder Kaur, to Jalandhar following complaints of alleged lapses in patient care and the lack of essential medical supplies.
The suspension and transfer orders were issued on Sunday by principal secretary, health, Kumar Rahul. HT has copies of both orders.
Officials familiar with the matter said the action follows reports of patients facing shortages of basic medical consumables at the hospital. According to complaints received by the authorities, patients were allegedly asked to bring their own syringes as the facility did not have adequate stocks for the items, said an official, requesting anonymity.
During the period of suspension, Dr Verma will report to the state health headquarters in Chandigarh.
Confirming the development, Rupnagar civil surgeon Dr Bobby Gulati said the department had received the suspension and transfer orders.
He said one of the blood-testing machines at the hospital was not functional and patients were being referred to a nearby Aam Aadmi Clinic.
“We have received the suspension and transfer orders, but we are not aware of the reasons for which the SMO has been suspended, and the pathologist has been transferred,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}“We have received the suspension and transfer orders, but we are not aware of the reasons for which the SMO has been suspended, and the pathologist has been transferred,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}The state health authorities have also issued directions to all officials, stating that negligence or dereliction of duty that adversely affects patient care or hampers access to quality healthcare services would not be tolerated. The authorities also directed officials to ensure strict compliance and accountability at all levels.
The department reiterated that ensuring quality patient care and free, uninterrupted access to healthcare services and medicines remains a top priority of the government. Officials have been warned that any failure to ensure timely delivery of essential healthcare services would invite strict action.
Health officials have also been directed to ensure that such shortages do not affect patients and that essential medicines and consumables remain available at government healthcare facilities. Hospitals can resort to local procurement in case of shortages or inadequate supplies to meet immediate requirements.