Doctors at the government-run Rajindra Hospital in Patiala had to pause a surgery due to a power outage, including a failure of the operation theatre’s emergency lights.
A viral video shows doctors and staff standing around the patient, waiting for the power to return as essential equipment stopped working. The video, reportedly filmed by a doctor, highlights concerns about the patient's safety and recurring power issues at the hospital.
In the 56-second clip, the doctor can be heard saying, “This is not the first time. The power has been out for 15 minutes, and the ventilator has also shut down. If something happens to the patient, who will be responsible?”
Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh addressed the issue, stating that the hospital’s power backup systems, including three hotlines, were functioning properly. He claimed the incident was caused by a local fault and added that the surgery was completed successfully, with the patient recovering well.
In a post on X, Mr. Singh said, “The power backup at Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, worked seamlessly. Unfortunately, a junior doctor panicked and recorded a video. Medical staff must stay focused on patient care at all times.”
Sources, however, revealed that power disruptions are a frequent problem at the hospital, despite having multiple backup systems. This incident has once again brought attention to ongoing power issues at Rajindra Hospital, sparking public concern in Patiala.
Follow us
