(MOREPIC1) Subhash Jindal/Chandigarh
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry of the Punjab & Haryana High Court on Tuesday directed the State of Punjab to seek instructions in a matter concerning the shutdown of the oxygen generation plant at Civil Hospital, Kapurthala, owing to a shortage of trained technical staff.
The proceedings arose from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Ms. Sunaina, Petitioner in Person, an Advocate who argued that the non-operation of the oxygen plant has gravely endangered the lives of critical patients and reflects a systemic failure in the State’s healthcare infrastructure.
Ms. Sunaina, Petitioner in Person, argued that: The PIL has been moved before this Hon’ble court seeking urgent directions to address the grave administrative lapse.
Despite repeated written complaints and requests by the Senior Medical Officer and hospital administration to the Health Department for deployment of trained staff, no action has been taken, forcing the hospital to rely on oxygen cylinders that are neither sustainable nor reliable during emergencies.
(SUBHEAD)The matter assumes urgency in light of the recent tragedy at Jalandhar Civil Hospital, where the alleged failure of the oxygen plant resulted in the death of three patients, highlighting recurring negligence and lack of accountability.
Such lapses amount to gross administrative negligence, poor governance, and a direct violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to life.
Ms. Sunaina sought directions from the Court to:Ensure the immediate operationalisation of the Kapurthala oxygen plant with deployment of trained technical staff. Order a comprehensive audit of oxygen generation plants across Punjab to assess their functionality. Fix accountability on the concerned officials for lapses and ensure systemic reforms to prevent recurrence.
After hearing the submissions, the High Court directed the State of Punjab to seek instructions and posted the matter for further consideration on 18.09.2025.
This PIL highlights the urgent need for robust healthcare governance and functioning medical infrastructure in Punjab to safeguard the lives of patients in critical care.
