Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh's visit to Najafgarh hospital sparks debate over faulty oximeter

New Delhi: Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh recently made a surprise visit to Jafarpur Kalan Hospital in Najafgarh. During his visit, he reportedly lost his temper after discovering that a pulse oximeter, a basic medical device used to check oxygen levels, was not working.

The Minister allegedly scolded the casualty in-charge and other doctors present, asking whether they thought it was a joke. He also blamed the staff, saying a patient’s condition had worsened due to the faulty equipment.

However, the incident has triggered debate among healthcare professionals, with some pointing out that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that hospitals are equipped with functional medical devices.

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A doctor on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter) questioned why doctors are held responsible for broken instruments, arguing that politicians should focus on fixing such issues instead of publicly blaming hospital staff.

“Before scolding doctors in public, these politicians should fix the broken instruments in government hospitals. Why are doctors blamed for faulty instruments?,” the doctor asked.

Reacting to the post, several doctors and X users commented under the doctor's post, with the majority of people criticizing the government for their failure of carrying out a proper duty and some blaming the hospital authorities for faulty medical equipment.

"Instead of he asking doctors “yeh mazaak chal rha hai”, he should be answerable asking we don’t have sufficient good quality instruments allocated to govt. Hospitals in India and where is the tax payer money going. Let’s ask them back “ yeh mazaak chal rha hai”???," said a user.

A doctor said, "All doctors in government hospitals, please write a mail to MS and copy it to the health secretary, minister and chief minister about the faulty, absent or inadequate equipment, staff available to you which is hampering care of patients. You will have evidence of having brought it to the notice of your MS, Health Secretary, Health Minister and CM."

"These jokers make show off by making such hospital visits. They buy what is called L1 products, means the cheapest ones which may last for a short period. If we select better ones, hundreds of explosions will have to be given to various clerks in future," said another doctor.

A user said, "How should the govt know the instrument is faulty if those using them do not report ?", another said, "Who will ask govt to replace the faulty equipment?? Why they are running the faulty equipment?? Doctors are not immune they need to take responsibility." "Doctors and staff should raise concerns when the equipment is faulty. If they don't raise their voices then it's good that they should be shamed in public."

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