The Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission has initiated a suo motu investigation into alleged negligence at Samrala Civil Hospital, where a deceased person’s body reportedly remained outside the mortuary for approximately 90 minutes.
The Chenab Times has learned that the Commission, comprising Chairperson Justice Sant Parkash and Members Justice Gurbir Singh and Jitender Singh Shunty, viewed the incident as a significant administrative failure and an infringement upon the dignity of the deceased.
In response to the incident, the Commission has formally requested a comprehensive report from the Civil Surgeon of Ludhiana. This report is a crucial step in the Commission’s inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the delay in transferring the body to the mortuary. The current administration of Samrala Civil Hospital is under scrutiny for the perceived lack of prompt action following the arrival of the deceased for post-mortem examination.
The order mandates the Civil Surgeon to submit the detailed report at least one week prior to the scheduled next date of hearing, which has been set for August 20, 2026. This extended timeline suggests the Commission’s intention to conduct a thorough and in-depth examination of the matter. Concurrently, a copy of the Commission’s directive has been dispatched to the Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in Punjab, ensuring that higher authorities within the state’s health apparatus are duly informed and aware of the ongoing investigation.
The incident, which came to light last week, involved a dead body brought to the hospital for a post-mortem. Reports indicate that the body was left unattended outside the mortuary facilities for an extended duration because hospital staff allegedly failed to complete the necessary procedures for its transfer. This delay has raised serious questions about the operational efficiency and the adherence to established protocols within the Samrala Civil Hospital.
In an effort to ascertain the facts on the ground, the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) of the Civil Hospital, Samrala, has proactively established a three-member committee. This internal committee is tasked with conducting an initial inquiry into the alleged negligence. The formation of this committee underscores the local administration’s awareness of the gravity of the situation and their commitment to identifying the root causes of the delay and any potential lapses in duty.
The Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission’s intervention highlights the critical importance of maintaining dignity for the deceased and ensuring that essential medical and administrative procedures are carried out without undue delay. The Commission’s suo motu cognizance, taken independently without a formal complaint, signifies its proactive role in safeguarding fundamental human rights, including the right to a dignified end, even after life has ceased. The outcome of the investigation is expected to shed light on the systemic issues, if any, within the hospital’s operations and may lead to recommendations for improved patient care and mortuary management protocols.
The Punjab government, through its Department of Health and Family Welfare, is expected to cooperate fully with the Commission’s inquiry. The investigation serves as a reminder to all healthcare facilities in the state of their responsibility to uphold ethical standards and provide humane treatment to individuals and their families during times of loss. The scheduled hearing in August 2026 allows ample time for the submission of evidence, witness testimonies, and the subsequent deliberation by the Commission members.
This case is particularly sensitive as it involves the treatment of a deceased individual, a matter that often falls under stringent ethical and societal expectations. The Commission’s decision to take cognizance and seek detailed reports indicates a commitment to ensuring accountability within the public healthcare system. The findings of the internal committee, coupled with the report submitted to the Human Rights Commission, will be instrumental in determining the course of action and any potential remedial measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
The Chenab Times News Desk