Himachal HC stops 8 OPDs at Chamiana super-specialty hospital, orders relocation to IGMC-Shimla
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The Himachal Pradesh High Court has temporarily suspended the operation of the outpatient department (OPD) at Chamiana Super-Specialty Hospital, citing severe difficulties faced by patients due to the poor condition of roads leading to the facility. The high court has ordered that the OPD be shifted back to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla until further notice.
Hardships faced over accessing hospital
The decision came from a division bench comprising Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Satyen Vaidya, who took strong cognisance of the hardships endured by patients and their attendants while accessing the hospital. The high court criticised the state government and the Public Works Department (PWD) for their failure to ensure adequate infrastructure and services at the newly opened hospital.
The high court’s decision followed the submission of reports by the Chief Secretary, the Director of the Health Department and the Medical Superintendent of the Super-Specialty Hospital.
HRTC turns down request for staff transport
The reports highlighted the lack of essential facilities at the hospital, including the absence of a canteen and a medicine shop. Additionally, it was revealed that the IGMC Medical Superintendent had requested transport from Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) for staff, but the request was denied due to insufficient resources.
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During the hearing, the Advocate General informed the court that the delay in road construction was due to the involvement of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which was responsible for the road work. The PWD Superintending Engineer stated that timely completion of the road construction would depend on the availability of adequate funds from the department.
Detailed report sought by October 31
The high court has directed the Health Secretary and the PWD to file a detailed report by October 31, outlining the steps taken to address the deficiencies at the hospital and improve the road infrastructure. The bench expressed its dismay over the hasty inauguration of the hospital without proper planning and facilities in place.
The high court has made it clear that the OPD services at Chamiana will remain suspended until better facilities for patient transportation are provided. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for October 31. The OPDs of eight departments of urology, cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, plastic surgery, gastroenterology, neurology and CVTS were shifted from IGMC to Chamiana on August 12.
