Member of the Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission, Padma Shri Jitender Singh Shunty, today reiterated that the Commission is fully committed to safeguarding human rights and ensuring protection of fundamental rights guaranteed to every citizen under the Constitution. Presiding over an Open Hearing Camp and meeting held at Community Centre, Sector-69, Mohali, he held detailed discussions with Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Singh Garha, SP (Headquarters) Mohit Aggarwal, along with senior administrative officials and representatives of various NGOs.
He stated that the Commission has developed an effective mechanism for prompt redressal of public grievances. Over the past few months, similar camps have been organized across all districts of the state to enhance public awareness.
He further informed that citizens can now submit their complaints from home through WhatsApp helpline number 9855475547, and assured that action is taken within a stipulated timeframe. Highlighting key directives, he clarified that no hospital can withhold a deceased body on the pretext of unpaid bills and must hand it over to the family without delay.
In cases where patients are unable to pay for treatment, hospitals must obtain a declaration and ensure discharge after treatment. He also emphasized that hospitals with more than 20 beds must mandatorily provide mortuary and ambulance facilities.
He further informed that the Commission has issued a special advisory for the safety of sanitation workers, mandating provision of insurance and safety gear such as caps, shoes, and sanitizers. Additionally, instructions have been issued to implement an “Ambulance Pilot” system, under which dialing emergency number 112 will enable the nearest police vehicle to assist in transporting patients to hospitals swiftly.
Calling upon NGOs to actively participate, he urged them to act as the “eyes and ears” of the Human Rights Commission and assist in bringing forward cases of rights violations. He also appreciated the social efforts being undertaken by NGOs in Mohali.
He added that to further strengthen the protection of human rights, 15-member core groups are being constituted in every district, which will play a crucial role in promptly conveying public issues to the Commission. During the meeting, officials from the Health Department, Municipal Corporation, Police and other departments were issued necessary directions keeping in view human rights concerns, and valuable suggestions were also received.
He reviewed facilities at the Civil Hospital, including oxygen plant, laboratory, blood bank, mortuary, and ambulance services, and issued instructions for improvements. He also emphasized the need to promote awareness regarding blood donation.
Further, the Police Department was directed to ensure better seating arrangements, clean washrooms, and adequate parking facilities for visitors at police stations. During the camp, several public grievances were heard, many of which were resolved on the spot, while others were forwarded to the concerned departments for immediate action.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Additional Deputy Commissioner Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Singh Garha, SDM Damandeep Kaur, Civil Surgeon Dr. Sangeeta Jain, and officials from various departments beisdes Piara Lal Garg, former Chairman, Subordinate Services Selection Board, Former MC Satbir Singh Dhanoa and MC Kuldeep Kaur Dhanoa and other members of Residents Welfare Society, Sector 69, Mohali.