Amritsar, July 22
There were ripples of discontent over reports that the civil hospital built in memory of the Jallianwala martyrs from a loan under the World Bank project is to pass into private hands.

Taking strong objection to the government move to effect closure of the hospital and make way for private bidders to take over, the Medical and Dental Teachers Association has come down heavily on the proposed decision wherein the entire staff of 64 persons has been ordered to be relieved.

However the Civil Surgeon, Dr Kawaljit Singh, said a ‘status-quo’ had been effected for the Civil Hospital for the time being. He claimed Ms Anjali Bhawra, Managing Director, Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC), had taken up the matter with the Finance Secretary to treat this hospital as an ‘‘exception’’ and not to disturb the staff which had been on deputation with the hospital.