Chandigarh: The Bhagwant Mann government of the Aam Aadmi Party has issued strict and public-friendly guidelines for private hospitals in Punjab. These measures aim to strengthen patients’ rights and ensure humane practices in the healthcare sector. According to the Health Department, all private hospitals must now have mortuary facilities to keep dead bodies safe and treated with respect. This step seeks to prevent cases where families face difficulties in handling the bodies of their loved ones.
A key decision is that hospitals must hand over dead bodies to the family, even if bills remain unpaid. This rule protects grieving families from harassment and exploitation, especially in sensitive situations like a patient’s death. Health officials said these changes reflect the Mann government’s commitment to making Punjab’s healthcare system more people-centered and responsive to citizens’ needs.
All private hospitals are now required to display clear notice boards with these guidelines. These boards will inform patients and their families of their rights and empower them to speak up against any unfair treatment. For unclaimed bodies, the district administration will take full responsibility for last rites, ensuring a respectful farewell even when no family is available. Local administration, police, and health officials will work together to implement this process effectively.
Extra monitoring teams will be deployed to ensure compliance, and regular inspections will be conducted. Hospitals that fail to follow the guidelines will face strict action. The Health Department also plans to launch a helpline for registering complaints. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized that compassion, dignity, and transparency must guide healthcare services, assuring citizens that private hospitals will be held accountable and that the system will provide quality care for all, regardless of financial status.
Experts and social workers have praised these guidelines, calling them a much-needed step to protect patients and families. The government is also planning further reforms, including improved emergency care standards, stronger complaint mechanisms, and better coordination between public and private healthcare facilities. This initiative positions Punjab as a model for a humane, accountable, and transparent healthcare system, sending a strong message that patients’ rights and dignity will not be compromised.
