Chandigarh: The Haryana Health Department has issued comprehensive directives to all Civil Surgeons following a recent incident reported from Faridabad.
Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra, has initiated immediate corrective and preventive measures to further reinforce emergency response systems, staff availability and delivery care services at government health institutions across the state. Taking prompt cognizance of the incident, Dr. Sumita Misra directed health authorities to ensure that every pregnant woman visiting a government health facility receives timely care, dignified treatment and uninterrupted medical support. The move is being seen as a proactive administrative intervention focused on strengthening accountability and improving patient-centric healthcare delivery systems.
As part of the new measures, all First Referral Units (FRUs) across the state have been directed to maintain at least one fully equipped ambulance at the facility round the clock. Health institutions with high delivery loads will also ensure the availability of dedicated emergency ambulances equipped with essential medicines and medical equipment to support maternal care services.
In another significant decision, the state government has directed that the main entry gates of all public health facilities remain open 24×7 to facilitate uninterrupted patient access during emergencies. The Health Department has also emphasized the safety and security of night-duty healthcare staff posted at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs), ensuring a safer and more efficient working environment.
To further improve institutional delivery services, all 24×7 health facilities have been instructed to ensure the continuous physical presence of staff nurses for delivery care services. Facility in-charges and district-level NHM teams have also been directed to conduct random night inspections to strengthen monitoring and ensure smooth functioning of services.
Addressing manpower requirements, the Health Department has asked district authorities to immediately deploy additional nursing staff from other facilities wherever shortages are identified. Civil Surgeons have been given a timeline of three days to ensure that no delivery point remains understaffed.
She underlined that these directions are aimed at improving service delivery standards and strengthening maternal healthcare infrastructure at the grassroots level. Officers have been directed to ensure strict implementation of all directives in the interest of patient safety and public trust.
