Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday ordered the immediate suspension of a contractual employee at Government Mata Kaushalya Hospital, Patiala, following an incident of violence. The action was prompted by a viral video showing the employee, Gurpreet Singh, allegedly punching and shattering a glass panel at the OPD registration counter on Wednesday. The shattered glass caused a woman patient to bleed profusely.
Taking note of the incident, the minister said that misbehaviour with patients in government hospitals would invite strict action. He described the conduct as reckless and said it could have endangered more lives. A departmental inquiry has been initiated, and the employee will be served a one-month notice before being relieved from service.
The minister issued clear instructions to doctors and support staff across the state to deal with patients compassionately, urging them to maintain a “soft heart and a cool head.” During a surprise inspection of the hospital earlier in the day, Dr Balbir Singh reviewed the OPD registration system and directed medical officers to deploy additional staff to reduce patient waiting times.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to public healthcare, he said those failing to meet standards of conduct will face consequences. Mata Kaushalya Hospital, a key district-level facility, caters to nearly 1,700 patients daily.
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