Three Die at Jalandhar Hospital; Families Blame Oxygen Supply Failure
Three patients died at the Jalandhar civil hospital on Sunday, with their families alleging that a fault in the oxygen supply system at the trauma centre was to blame. The deceased, who were all on ventilators, included patients being treated for a snake bite, a drug overdose, and tuberculosis. Hospital authorities acknowledged a temporary dip in oxygen pressure but denied it caused the deaths, stating backup cylinders were used immediately. A nine-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident.
Unpacked:
A technical fault, reportedly an oil leak, in the hospital’s central oxygen plant caused a temporary drop or interruption in oxygen pressure. This occurred during a supply changeover in the trauma ward, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to patients on ventilators.
Hospital authorities state that backup oxygen cylinders were activated immediately after the pressure drop. However, some families allege that there was a delay of several minutes before backup systems were engaged, which may have contributed to the deaths.
The three deceased patients included a 15-year-old girl being treated for a snake bite, an adult with a drug overdose, and a man with a serious lung disease (likely tuberculosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). All were in critical condition and on ventilator support at the time.
Yes, similar tragedies linked to oxygen system failures have happened in Indian hospitals, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. These incidents highlight recurring problems with equipment maintenance, emergency preparedness, and the need for stricter safety protocols and accountability.