CPI(M) leader Kushal Bhardwaj slams apathy of successive governments
MANDI: In a scathing critique of the crumbling healthcare infrastructure in Jogindernagar, Communist Party of India (Marxist) district secretary and zila parishad member Kushal Bhardwaj has accused successive state governments of gross negligence.
Following a detailed inspection of the Civil Hospital, Bhardwaj alleged that the public was being forced to endure daily suffering while the government remained indifferent.
“The Civil Hospital has effectively become a referral centre. It lacks the basic human resources to serve the people,” Bhardwaj stated.
Specialty services suffer due to lack of doctors
According to Bhardwaj, the Civil Hospital in Jogindernagar is operating with only four doctors while 15 sanctioned posts remain unfilled.
Critical specialty services, including general medicine, surgery, ENT, dermatology, orthopedics, ophthalmology and pediatrics, are entirely absent.
“This hospital is no longer a place of healing, but is a symbol of administrative apathy,” he said.
18 years without sonographer despite repeated assurances
One of the most glaring lapses is the absence of a sonographer. Bhardwaj pointed out that despite repeated announcements by former Chief Ministers, including multiple visits by BJP leaders during their tenure, the post has not been filled for nearly two decades.
“Grand announcements were made, public feasts were organised at government expense and people clapped at hollow promises — yet no action was taken to appoint a sonographer to operate the ultrasound machine,” he said.
Across-the-board crisis: Vacancies in all key positions
In addition to the doctor shortage, the hospital is grappling with severe understaffing across essential services:
• Staff Nurse: 1 post vacant
• Operation theatre assistant (OTA): 1 post vacant
• Radiographers: 2 posts vacant
• MLT Grade-1: 1 post vacant
• ECG Technician: 1 post vacant
• Drivers: 3 posts vacant
• Midwives: 3 posts vacant
• Class IV employees: 8 posts vacant
Bhardwaj also highlighted the deteriorating conditions in other healthcare facilities across the region, including the Civil Hospital in Ladbharol, the Community Health Centre in Chauntra and several Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in and around Jogindernagar.
Criticising both the BJP and Congress, Bhardwaj said that real development has taken a backseat to political tokenism.
“When the BJP is in power, development benefits a few Congress-aligned contractors. When Congress rules, the same favouritism shifts to BJP-linked entities. Neither party has genuinely invested in public welfare — whether it’s health, education, transport, or basic infrastructure,” he remarked.
Call for immediate action or mass protest
Bhardwaj warned that the CPI(M) will not remain silent. Recalling past public movements that successfully forced governments to act, he said they are prepared to mobilize once again if urgent steps are not taken.
“This is not the first time we have had to fight for doctors and basic healthcare. If the government fails to fill the vacant posts soon, we will launch a people’s movement. The suffering of our citizens cannot continue,” he concluded.
When contacted, Mandi Chief Medical Officer Dr Deepali Sharma said that higher authorities had already been informed about the issue and steps would soon be taken to resolve the staff shortage.
“I commend all the doctors who are currently serving at the Jogindernagar hospital. Despite limited resources and manpower, they are managing the hospital’s operations efficiently,” she said.
The CMO further clarified that sending doctors temporarily from other areas of the district was not a viable solution. “There is a need for permanent and appropriate appointments to ensure the public receives proper healthcare services. The necessary process for this will be completed soon,” she said.
Munish Sood
