Negligence in pregnant woman’s delivery: Health Minister orders suspension of Khanna Civil Hospital doctor

Khanna (Ludhiana), July 25, 2025: Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today ordered the immediate suspension of a gynaecologist at Khanna Civil Hospital for negligence in a pregnant woman’s delivery case. The minister warned that the doctor’s medical license could be revoked, and legal action may follow pending further investigation.

The incident occurred recently when the gynaecologist failed to attend to a critical delivery case despite being informed by the on-duty medical officer. Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Dr. Maninder Singh Bhasin stepped in to perform the emergency operation, successfully saving the patient’s life.

Dr. Singh emphasized the Punjab Government’s commitment, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to providing high-quality healthcare services, stating, “Any negligence in patient care is unacceptable and will face strict consequences.” Following the incident, a three-member committee, comprising an SMO and two specialists, was constituted to investigate. The committee’s report found the gynaecologist’s failure to address the case with due seriousness. 

In a message to health staff, Dr. Singh urged them to perform their duties with utmost honesty, dedication, and diligence, warning of severe repercussions for lapses. He commended the health department’s workforce, highlighting that 98% of its doctors risked their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic to save countless lives.

In response to queries about doctor shortages in Doraha and Payal government hospitals, Dr. Singh noted that the state has recruited approximately 3,000 healthcare workers recently, with plans to onboard 1,000 additional doctors soon. He outlined plans to ensure 24-hour maternal and child care, emergency services, and initial treatment for heart attacks and neurological conditions at district-level and highway-adjacent government hospitals. 

Additionally, he stated that the government will establish 10-12 advanced hospitals across Punjab for specialized treatments, including heart surgeries, organ transplants, and orthopedic care. He also highlighted that government hospitals in Khanna, Tarn Taran, Dasuya, Tanda, and Chamkaur Sahib are already providing initial care for heart attack patients, with referrals to larger facilities for advanced treatment. He also announced that Punjab is set to become the first state in India to offer free health insurance to its entire population of 3 crore. Under this scheme, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, every family will receive health coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh.