Parliament Question: Non-Functional Ventilators

GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 1037 TO BE ANSWERED ON24.07.2026 NON-FUNCTIONALVENTILATORS 1037.SHRIMANISH TEWARI: Will the MINISTER OFHEALTHAND FAMILYWELFAREbe pleased tostate: (a) whether the Government has taken note of the reports that a large number of ventilators supplied during the COVID-19 pandemic at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH),Sector32,Chandigarhare lyingnon-functionalaffectingcriticalcareservices, if so, the detailsthereof; (b) the total number of ventilators supplied, the number currently functional along with the reasons for non-functionalityincluding issues of maintenanceandspare parts; (c) whether the Trauma Centre at GMCH-32 is facing shortages of technical staff including absence of ventilatortechnicians, if so, the detailsthereof; (d) whether the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16, is also facing shortages of ventilatorsandtrained staff,if so, the detailsthereof; (e) whether it isa fact that there is a broader shortage of nursing and paramedical staff across GMCH-32 and GMSH-16, if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government tofill vacancies andstrengthen criticalcare infrastructure inChandigarh; and (f) the steps taken by the Government to repair equipment, fill vacancies and strengthen criticalcare infrastructure inChandigarhhospitals? ANSWER MINISTER OFSTATE IN MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRIPRATAPRAO JADHAV) (a) to (f): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has assisted the States/UTs from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic by, inter-alia, providing Medical Equipmentlike PPEs, N-95 Mask, Ventilatorsfree of cost. The Government of India provided 99 ventilators to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Against which, 35 ventilatorsare functional. Further, Health Department, Chandigarh Administration has reported that GMCH-32 and GMSH-16 have sufficient number of nursing and para-medicalstaffs. All necessary measures are being taken to ensure timely maintenance and repair of equipment or machines in the hospitals. *****