Patients endure long waits at Rajindra Hospital cardiology OPD
On Thursday, patients visiting the cardiology outpatient department (OPD) at Rajindra Hospital in Patiala faced significant delays, with many waiting nearly two hours for a checkup because the cardiologist was not available. The situation led to frustration, especially among senior citizens, who also reported rude behavior from hospital staff.
Senior citizen lodges complaint after being snubbed
Balinder Singh Dhindsa, a retired manager from Punjab and Sindh Bank, arrived at the hospital around 10 am. His blood pressure was checked by nursing staff, and he was asked to wait. However, the doctor remained unavailable. By 11 am, with over 100 patients waiting in the corridor, Dhindsa lodged a complaint. He alleged that staff snubbed him and told him to go back and wait. Disturbed by the behavior, he began taking photographs of the crowded corridor. He also visited the cancer ward, where he saw stray dogs roaming freely. Nursing staff spotted him and became aggressive, instructing him to delete the pictures or face legal action. A retired police officer advised him to leave without a checkup to avoid being implicated.
Another patient waits until noon
Kartar Singh, another patient, said he arrived at 10 am and was still waiting to see the doctor by noon, highlighting the prolonged delays faced by many.
Hospital director defends cardiologist
Director Principal of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Dr. PPS Sibia defended the cardiologist, stating that the doctor was burdened with multiple tasks and worked late into the evening. He noted, "Even the doctors are hard pressed. In such scenario, a polite word could comfort them. Instructions have been issued to the staff to be polite with the patients." The cardiologist was not available for comment.
