Ludhiana, May 21 -- Following allegations of medical negligence in treating a heart patient at Khanna Civil Hospital, Punjab health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh paid a surprise visit to the facility on Tuesday evening. After a detailed review of the services and discussions with hospital staff, the health minister dismissed the accusations as "baseless" and "contrary to facts on the ground".

Accompanied by cabinet minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, the health minister reviewed patient records and emergency procedures followed on May 17, the day in question. He stated that there was no lapse in the treatment provided to the heart patient, whose condition had been critical upon arrival. "The hospital staff acted promptly, provi...