- Comprehensive Arrangements in Place for Testing, Medicines, Isolation, ICU, Beds, Oxygen Plants, and Health Staff: Dr. Balbir Singh
- Assures No Risk of Past-Like Damage, Urges Public Not to Panic
Patiala, May 28
Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, affirmed that the state government has proactively completed all necessary preparations to safeguard public health in response to any potential COVID-19 outbreak.
On Tuesday, the Health Minister conducted an unannounced inspection of Government Rajindra Hospital and Mata Kaushalya Hospital in Patiala to assess COVID-19 prevention measures, including testing facilities, availability of medicines, isolation wards, ICU units, beds, oxygen plants, and health staff readiness.
Dr. Balbir Singh appealed to the public not to panic, emphasizing that the state’s Health Department and Medical Education and Research Department are fully equipped to handle any emergency. He likened their preparedness to the Indian Army’s constant vigilance at the nation’s borders, stating that doctors and health staff are on standby 24/7 to address any crisis.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Dr. Singh reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive healthcare for its citizens. He expressed satisfaction with the robust arrangements at both hospitals, noting that all preparations are in place to manage any COVID-related challenges.
At Rajindra Hospital, the Super Specialty Wing has 40 fully equipped beds ready for emergencies, supported by adequate medicines, trained staff, isolation facilities, and essential equipment. The hospital’s oxygen supply is secured with a three-tier system, including liquid oxygen, multilayer cylinder supply, and a PSA plant, backed by functional generator sets. Additionally, the hospital’s emergency ward has 130 beds fully prepared.
Dr. Singh highlighted that, like anti-social elements or national enemies, COVID-19 remains a threat to public health, having caused significant devastation in 2020. However, he assured that health experts now have comprehensive knowledge of the virus, and the current variant has not been classified as a “variant of concern” by the Punjab government or the World Health Organization. He stressed that there is no need for alarm at this stage.
The inspection was attended by key officials, including Acting Principal of the Medical College Dr. R.P.S. Sibia, Medical Superintendent Dr. Vishal Chopra, Civil Surgeon Dr. Jagpalinder Singh, and other doctors and faculty members, who briefed the Health Minister on the COVID management preparations
