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Ludhiana | AAP MLA-elect hits the ground running, inspects civil hospital
Much like his elected colleagues from the AAP, Pappi too has hit the ground running, and was seen lending a patient ear to his constituents grievances even before being administered the oath
Unhygienic conditions, shortage of doctors and medical staff, delay in getting results, and shortage of drinking water were some of the issues raised by patients during Aam Aadmi Party Ludhiana Central MLA-elect Ashok Prashar Pappi’s surprise check of the civil hospital on Monday.
Much like his elected colleagues from the AAP, Pappi too has hit the ground running, and was seen lending a patient ear to his constituents grievances even before being administered the oath.
During his two-hour visit, the MLA-elect was seen interacting with patients and their attendants in different wards. Observing that a long queue had formed outside the medicine counter, Pappi directed senior medical officer (SMO) Dr Amarjit Kaur to depute more staff for distribution of medicines. He also flagged the unavailability of drinking water at different points in the hospital, lack of cleanliness, and directed the staff to improve seating arrangements.
‘Regular checks will be conducted’
A pregnant woman, Sunita, who was waiting for her ultrasound said she had been standing outside the room for around two hours, and the staff only opened the room when Pappi came for an inspection. The staff, however, refuted the allegations and said that work had been going on since 10am. Pappi said he would ensure action was taken against the staff if similar complaints were received in future, and that regular inspections will be carried out in future.
Pappi said,”A lot of things have to be improved at the civil hospital, as the facility has been ignored by earlier governments. AAP will fulfil its promise to upgrade health and educational facilities in the state. Health department officials have already been directed to initiate a cleanliness drive in the hospital. Soon, a meeting will also be conducted with the deputy commissioner, civil surgeon and other medical staff to meet the hospital’s requirements and resolve patients’ grievances.”
Need to upgrade hospital: MLA
Underscoring the need to upgrade the civil hospital, Pappi said the hospital had been built when the population of the city was 5 lakh, and changes were needed as the hospital caters to a populace of 50 lakh.
“I will also propose a PGIMER-like hospital at the 8.5 acres of vacant Kapoor hospital site,” said Pappi, adding that projects to upgrade government schools were also being commenced in the constituency.
Bhola inspects roadwork
Meanwhile, MLA-elect (Ludhiana East) Daljit Grewal Bhola inspected the ongoing road construction work in the police colony, Chandigarh Road. Bhola directed the officials and contractor to maintain quality of work, and said action will be taken against them if the work was found to be substandard.
