Three patients died at Jalandhar Civil Hospital on Sunday night due to a 25–30 minute disruption in oxygen supply. Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh has held the hospital staff responsible for the incident, calling it a result of “unpardonable negligence.”

He announced that Medical Superintendent Dr Raj Kumar, Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Dr Surjit Singh, and Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Sunakshi have been suspended, while House Surgeon Dr Shivinder Singh has been dismissed from service.

“I deeply regret that we couldn’t save the lives of critically ill patients,” the minister said, adding that despite the hospital having four oxygen sources, mismanagement led to the tragedy.

A technical committee submitted its report on the incident, and the minister hinted at further action. “The other three doctors are also likely to be dismissed and could lose their retirement benefits,” he said.

“This level of negligence cannot be tolerated—strict action is necessary,” he added.