During a recent inspection of a local civil hospital, Dr. Anil Goyal, Director of the Punjab Health Services Corporation (PHSC), expressed concern over the hospital's sanitation and cleanliness standards. His observations highlighted the need for significant improvements to meet proper healthcare standards. "The sanitation needs a proper rethinking. There is scope for a lot of improvement," Dr. Goyal commented, noting the issues stemmed primarily from a shortage of staff.

Dr. Goyal’s visit included an inspection of the hospital’s canteen, located near the main gate. During his assessment, he found numerous expired food items, raising further concerns about hygiene and safety for patients and visitors. "I found a lot of juice packets to be expired, and the sandwiches also had fungus," he said. Such findings emphasized the urgent need for stricter food safety regulations and regular monitoring of consumables within hospital premises.

The issue of understaffing was particularly evident in the hospital's emergency ward, where Dr. Goyal noted that the limited staff were overburdened with high patient numbers. This staff shortage has compromised the hospital's ability to maintain sanitation and provide effective care, particularly in critical areas like emergency services.

Following his visit, Dr. Goyal indicated that the PHSC had prepared a detailed report on the hospital’s current condition. He plans to submit this report to the state health minister, along with recommendations for necessary improvements. “We will take up the issue with the state health minister,” he assured, adding that the recommendations would address both staffing issues and sanitation improvements.

Alongside Dr. Goyal’s findings, representatives from the User Charges Mulazim Sangharsh Committee also voiced concerns over the working conditions of temporary hospital employees. Raj Kumar, the committee’s president, submitted a memorandum of demands to Dr. Goyal, advocating for a pay increase for temporary staff. Kumar noted that these employees, who constitute a significant portion of the hospital workforce, receive only modest compensation ranging from ₹4500 to ₹6500 per month. According to him, the civil hospital currently employs only 30% permanent staff, which places an immense burden on temporary workers.

Kumar stressed that the salaries for these temporary employees are insufficient to support their families, especially given their demanding roles in the hospital. He urged the PHSC to consider revising their wages as a means of recognition for their dedication and to alleviate their financial struggles. He emphasized that improved compensation would not only benefit the workers but could also positively impact the hospital’s service quality, as staff would be more motivated to maintain higher standards.

Dr. Goyal acknowledged the memorandum and assured that the wage issue for temporary employees would be considered alongside the sanitation and staffing recommendations in his report to the health minister. His findings have brought attention to the pressing need for policy changes in hospital management, particularly concerning employee welfare and the resources required for proper hospital maintenance.

The situation underscores a broader need for investment in healthcare infrastructure and staffing in Punjab, especially within public hospitals that serve large patient populations. Addressing these issues could significantly enhance service quality, reduce staff burden, and improve patient outcomes across the healthcare system. Dr. Goyal’s findings highlight the urgency for action to ensure that public health facilities provide safe, clean, and supportive environments for both patients and staff.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)