A shocking video from Jalandhar’s Civil Hospital has once again ripped the veil off Punjab’s failing healthcare infrastructure. The visuals show a patient lying on the floor beneath a seat, surrounded by filth and chaos — a haunting reminder of how the state’s public hospitals continue to rot despite tall claims of healthcare reforms.
The video, which quickly went viral, captures scenes that would shame any healthcare system — dirty and broken beds, foul-smelling wards, overflowing bins, and stained bedsheets. For patients, it was just another day of suffering in an institution that’s supposed to heal but instead humiliates those who cannot afford private care. The footage has sparked outrage among residents, with many accusing the government of paying lip service to healthcare while ignoring the worsening state of public hospitals.
Taking note of the video, Health Minister said he had sought a detailed report and demanded the video of the incident. He maintained that more than 400 doctors have already been recruited, some of whom were deployed in flood-affected areas and will soon return to hospitals.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Raman Gupta admitted that the matter was serious and came to his notice two days ago. “This is a large 500-bed hospital. Although it doesn’t directly come under me, I have taken the issue seriously and demanded detailed report of the same from concerned authorities,” he said.
But the acknowledgment of negligence does little to ease the anger of those who believe the system is collapsing under bureaucratic indifference and poor accountability.
Inside the hospital, the situation is nothing short of grim. Patients are often seen waiting for hours without assistance, some lying on stretchers in crowded hallways. Filthy washrooms, leaking roofs, and waterlogged corners make the environment not just unbearable but dangerous. Attendants complain that even basic hygiene is missing. “The beds are broken, the floors stink, and stray dogs roam freely in the hospital premises", said Manish, one of the patients.
"The government keeps talking about improving healthcare, but they should first come and see how we are treated here,” said one attendant outside the emergency ward.
"The Civil Hospital’s condition reflects a larger malaise in Punjab’s public health system, where claims of modernisation rarely translate to reality. Despite repeated reports and inspections, the problems remain — inadequate sanitation, staff shortages, and lack of funds. While the government continues to advertise healthcare as one of its top priorities, the situation on the ground tells a different story", said Manpreet Kaur, a resident.
“The viral video has once again raised a fundamental question — if this is the state of a major district hospital in Punjab’s urban heartland, what hope do rural patients have? Unless accountability isn’t fixed and strict actions aren’t taken, nothing will change in the state”, said Kavita, a social activist.