Staff crunch plagues Phagwara Civil Hospital

Despite repeated assurances by the state government, health services at the Civil Hospital in Phagwara continue to remain in doldrums. The 140-bed Civil Hospital, which also includes a 30-bed Mother and Child Care Unit, is reeling under an acute shortage of medical and paramedical personnel. The blood bank at the hospital, which is a lifeline for trauma victims, surgery patients and the chronically ill, is non-functional since August 2023. The hospital records indicate that there is a daily footfall of around 500 patients, indicating the patient load and the urgency for remedial measures.

Amid growing public discontent, Lok Sabha MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal acknowledges the problems. “I am committed to ensuring that things get into order. I have held a detailed meeting in this regard with Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh. He has assured me that the hospital will get more staff. The minister has also agreed to initiate steps for getting the suspended licence of the blood bank revoked,” said Dr Chabbewal.

People of Phagwara should not pay the price for administrative delays, Chabbewal had recently said. However, despite such assurances, there has been no official announcement or visible action to indicate that the solution is near. Adding to the public’s frustration is the recent hike in blood testing charges, effective from April 1. The cost of testing blood units supplied to private hospitals has surged from Rs 300 to Rs 1,100, prompting outrage among donor groups and healthcare activists.

Before its closure, the hospital’s blood bank offered free blood units to patients in emergency situations, including accident trauma, maternity complications, orthopaedic surgeries and dialysis. Its closure has forced patients — many from low-income background — to seek blood from private blood banks, often at a steep cost ranging from Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,550 per unit.

“The closure of the government blood bank has placed a burden on underprivileged families,” said Vitin Puri, president of the Hindustan Welfare Blood Donors Club. “We are not against private institutions, but when a public facility meant to serve the needy remains closed for nearly two years, it reflects systemic failure.”

“This is not just a fee hike. It’s a barrier to life-saving treatment,” said a local activist, adding, “At a time when the government should be supporting public health, it is creating additional hurdles.”

Meanwhile, the public continues to demand clear communication, swift administrative action and a restoration of essential services. As the stalemate drags on, the people of Phagwara and nearby villages are left to navigate an uncertain healthcare landscape — one marked by institutional silence, staffing crises, and avoidable suffering. “This is a matter of life and death, not just policy,” said a resident outside the Civil Hospital.

Blood bank services suspended

For nearly 20 months, the residents of Phagwara and surrounding areas have been grappling with a silent crisis, compounding healthcare challenges in a region already burdened by staff shortages and infrastructural neglect. The suspension of blood bank services came after the Central Government licensing authority found multiple regulatory and operational deficiencies during an inspection. Despite assurances from the state health officials and repeated appeals from the public, the facility remains shut without any official timeline for reopening.

Phagwara Civil Hospital’s strategic location on the busy National Highway (GT Road) makes the availability of emergency medical services, particularly a blood bank, all the more crucial. Frequent road accidents and medical emergencies continue to occur, but there is no reliable blood supply from the hospital. It was recently reported that 61 of the 119 sanctioned post of medical and paramedical staff remain vacant in the hospital.

The basic maintenance staff such as electricians, plumbers, washermen and even a cycle stand contractor are missing, causing operational inconvenience for both patients and staff. The hospital has no regular Senior Medical Officer. Dr Parminder Kaur, who holds additional charge as SMO, is only able to visit the hospital twice a week.

Punjab