Mohali, May 13 -- The process to recruit 1,000 doctors to address the shortage of medical professionals in state-run hospitals has already begun, health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh said on Monday. Conducting a surprise inspection in the hospitals of Dera Bassi, Lalru and Zirakpur (Dhakoli), the minister, while talking to mediapersons, said he came across shortage of staff and also poor infrastructure in some facilities.

Singh interacted with patients and visitors to gauge their experience in the existing healthcare facilities. He also enquired about the waiting time for obtaining OPD slips.

"The Punjab government is committed to delivering quality healthcare services in government hospitals, which include free lab tests ...