Punjab: Technical Fault in Civil Hospital’s Oxygen Plant Claims Three Lives – Probe Ordered

National News: A tragic incident at the Civil Hospital on Sunday evening claimed the lives of three critically ill patients after a technical fault in the hospital’s oxygen plant temporarily disrupted the oxygen supply. According to hospital sources, the supply stopped for several minutes, leaving the three patients in the Trauma ICU—who were all on life‑support oxygen—struggling to breathe. Their condition rapidly worsened. Hospital staff rushed to activate a backup oxygen plant and switched to oxygen concentrators to stabilize the patients. Unfortunately, by the time the alternative supply was restored, it was too late.

Patients had been in ICU for three days

• All three victims had been receiving intensive care for the past three days.
• Two of them were suffering from severe lung conditions.
• One had been admitted after a drug overdose.
• When the oxygen flow stopped, their fragile condition deteriorated immediately, leading to their deaths.

Leakage or technical fault?

Preliminary findings suggest the oxygen plant experienced a 5–10 minute malfunction. There is also speculation about a possible leakage in the system.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Raj Kumar clarified: “There was no shortage of oxygen in the hospital. As soon as the fault was detected, another plant was switched on and oxygen was supplied through concentrators. Unfortunately, the patients could not be revived.”

Inquiry committee set up

The hospital management has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the incident. Officials said the exact cause—whether a technical glitch or leakage—will be determined by Monday.

Questions raised about the hospital’s maintenance

The incident has triggered serious concerns over the hospital’s safety protocols and upkeep:

• Is the oxygen plant inspected regularly?
• Are nozzles and pipelines checked during cylinder changes?
• Was the issue caused by a blocked pipeline or a machine failure?
• Will the company that installed the plant be held accountable?

During the COVID‑19 pandemic, oxygen plants were monitored with extreme vigilance. The tragedy has raised uncomfortable questions about whether that same level of care is being maintained today. The deaths of three patients have exposed possible lapses in maintenance and oversight. Only the inquiry committee’s report will determine who is responsible—and what action will follow.