Munish Sood
MANDI: A healthcare crisis has left the Jogindernagar Civil Hospital in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh struggling to function with only three doctors against 19 sanctioned posts.
Out of these three, two are general physicians while the third is a gynaecologist. There is no doctor in any other stream — not a single surgeon, ophthalmologist, ENT specialist, radiologist, orthopaedist or medicine specialist.
Despite this acute shortage, the hospital caters to thousands of patients from Jogindernagar and adjoining constituencies. Local residents say the absence of specialists has forced people to travel long distances for even basic treatments.
Ultrasound machine gathering dust for 18 years
The irony of the situation is further highlighted by an unused ultrasound machine procured nearly 18 years ago, which has never been operated. “There has been no sonographer appointed in the hospital all these years, making the machine a mere showpiece,” said Kushal Bhardwaj, a CPM leader, zila parishad member and state vice-president of the Kisan Sabha.
Bhardwaj alleged that the hospital’s condition reflects the negligence of both the government and the opposition. “Neither the ruling party shows concern, nor does the opposition speak up. The public continues to suffer,” he said.
He further criticised political leaders for reducing healthcare issues to publicity stunts. “Once in six months, leaders come with cameramen, distribute a few apples and bananas to one or two patients and then leave. But when lives are at risk during emergencies, people have no doctors to turn to,” Bhardwaj remarked.
Mass protest against poor state of affairs on August 25
To highlight the crisis, Bhardwaj announced the launch of a public movement. “On Monday (August 25, 2025), at 10 am, we will begin a dharna at the Ramleela Ground in Jogindernagar. From there, we will march through the market to the Civil Hospital. This united voice will then be carried to the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha in Shimla where the Assembly session is underway,” he said.
He appealed to farmers, workers, retired employees, shopkeepers, students, youth and women’s groups to participate. “The Mahila Mandals, who have always been active in social struggles, must also join. This is everyone’s fight for the right to healthcare,” Bhardwaj added.
Bhardwaj alleged that attempts were being made to silence him. “My WhatsApp account, widely used for mobilising people, has been blocked. But this will not deter us,” he said, urging citizens to spread the word.
CMO’s Version
When contacted, Mandi Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Deepali Sharma acknowledged the crisis but assured that immediate measures were being taken.
“We are fully aware of the shortage of doctors at the Jogindernagar Civil Hospital. As an interim step, doctors from nearby institutions have been officially deputed here to ensure round-the-clock services for patients in this region,” she said.
Dr Sharma said that the higher authorities have already been informed about the vacancies. “We have apprised the Health Directorate in Shimla about the situation and are hopeful that recruitments will be made soon to fill the vacant posts,” she stated.
