Patiala: Punjab Cabinet Ministers Barinder Goyal and Dr Balbir Singh today visited Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala to enquire about the well-being of injured MGNREGA workers from Ali Sher village in the Lehragaga Assembly constituency, who are undergoing treatment. Expressing their condolences to the affected families, the ministers said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, stands firmly with the victims in this hour of grief. They wished the injured a speedy recovery and directed the treating doctors to ensure the best possible medical care for all patients and to ensure that they face no inconvenience.
Dr Balbir Singh and Barinder Goyal said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident and ₹50,000 each for the injured. In addition, the Punjab Government will provide free medical treatment to the injured. They added that arrangements for food and refreshments would also be made for the hospitalised MGNREGA workers and their family members.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh and Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal said that the accident took place at around 4:30 pm on October 18 on the Jakhal-Lehragaga road near Ali Sher village. At the time, MGNREGA workers were engaged in planting saplings and carrying out cleaning work along the roadside. When they stopped to drink water, a speeding car hit them. Eight workers lost their lives in the accident, while 12 others sustained injuries. Of these, five seriously injured women workers were admitted to Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, while the remaining injured are undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital in Sangrur.
The ministers said that the condition of the patients undergoing treatment was improving and that they were out of danger. They added that the Sangrur district administration had also made the necessary arrangements to assist the victims and facilitate their family members.
Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that the tragic accident, caused by negligence, had extinguished the hopes and happiness of eight families. He assured that strict legal action would be taken against the car driver responsible for the accident. He also prayed for peace for the departed souls and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Director-Principal of the Medical College Dr R.P.S. Sibia, Medical Superintendent Dr Vishal Chopra, BDPO Bhawanigarh Sukhwinder Singh Tiwana, Dr Paramjit Singh Raja and Dr Vinod Dangwal were also present on the occasion.