Punjab Issues New Guidelines for Private Hospitals to Strengthen Patients’ Rights

The Bhagwant Mann government of the Aam Aadmi Party has issued some strict and public-friendly guidelines for private hospitals in the state. These decisions aim to strengthen patients' rights and ensure humane practices in the health sector. According to orders from the Health Department, all private hospitals must now have a mortuary facility. This is to keep dead bodies safe and with respect. This step stops those cases where families face problems with their loved ones' bodies.

The most important decision is that hospitals must hand over the dead body to the family, even if the bill is not paid. This rule protects families from any harassment during their time of grief. The Punjab government took this decision keeping in mind cases where some private medical institutes were accused of exploitation, especially in sensitive situations like a patient's death. Health Department officials said these changes show Mann government's big promise to make Punjab's health system more people-centered.

All private hospitals must put up clear notice boards showing these instructions. This step raises awareness among people and ensures accountability. The boards will clearly list rights of patients and their families. This way, they can know their rights and speak up against any wrong behavior. The Health Department has told private hospitals to put these boards in main places so everyone can easily see and read them.

For unclaimed bodies, the district administration will take full responsibility for the last rites. This rule is for sad cases where the dead person has no family or cannot be identified. The government has made sure that even in such cases, the dead get a respectful farewell and proper last rites. The district administration has been told to make a clear process. In this, local administration, police, and health department officials will work together. This effort shows human values and social responsibility.

Extra monitoring teams will be posted to check compliance in private hospitals and handle complaints quickly. Health Department officials said regular inspections will happen. Strict action will be taken against hospitals that do not follow these guidelines. The government has made it clear that there will be no compromise on patients' rights and respect. The department plans to start a helpline number where people can file any complaint.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann repeated that compassion, dignity, and transparency must be at the center of health services. He assured citizens that the administration will keep working to bring fairness and trust at every level. The Chief Minister said the Aam Aadmi Party government is committed to protecting common people's interests. Private health institutes will also be made accountable to the public. He also said the government's goal is to build a health system where even the poorest person gets quality treatment without any discrimination.

The government is planning more improvements. These include a strong complaint system, better emergency care standards, and better coordination between public and private health facilities. Health Department officials said a time-bound plan has been made to implement these guidelines. The department has told all district health officers to inform private hospitals in their areas about these rules and ensure they follow them. In coming months, the impact of these changes will be reviewed.

Health sector experts have praised these guidelines. They say this will bring relief to patients and their families. One health worker said such rules should have come much earlier. Many times, private hospitals did not give bodies to families because of unpaid bills. Social workers have also welcomed the government's decision. They say it is an important step to protect human values.

This initiative in Punjab is a big step toward making health services more accountable and transparent. The government believes health service is a basic right. The private sector must also work with social responsibility. Through these rules, the Aam Aadmi Party government has sent a clear message: no compromise on rights of patients and their families. This effort can be an example not just for Punjab but for the whole country, where humanity and compassion are kept above all in health services.