Ludhiana, Aug. 30 -- The Punjab Human Rights Commission has asked the Ludhiana civil surgeon to explain why two of the three oxygen units at the civil hospital here have been non-operational. The order was issued after a local activist wrote to the commission complaining that the non-functionality of the two oxygen plants delayed treatment.

"It is submitted that out of the three oxygen plants, only one oxygen plant is working and the rest are non-operational. It is alleged that these oxygen plants are installed for the emergency like situation but non-functionality of the said plants can cause severe delay in patients' treatment," read the order.

The commission has asked the civil surgeon to report on the matter before the next hearing ...