Mandi (Munish Sood)
BJP chief spokesperson and MLA from Sundernagar, Rakesh Jamwal, has criticised the Himachal Pradesh government for its recent decision to transfer doctors, which, he claims, has “further crippled” the already struggling healthcare system in Mandi district.
In a statement, Jamwal slammed the state government for transferring 11 doctors within just two weeks, leaving crucial posts vacant and paralysing emergency services at key hospitals.
Mandi Zonal Hospital and Nerchowk Medical College, which have already been facing severe shortage of medical professionals, are now on the brink of collapse, he said.
Jamwal highlighted that 16 of the 48 sanctioned posts at Mandi Zonal Hospital remain vacant, with emergency services having recently been hit by the transfer of five doctors. “Despite this, the government has failed to make replacements, and emergency services have come to a standstill. This move has left patients in distress, unable to access timely treatment,” he added.
The situation at Nerchowk Medical College is no better, with only one doctor now managing emergency services, making it nearly impossible to cater to the growing number of critical patients.
The BJP leader accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Congress government of failing to prioritise Mandi’s healthcare needs.
“This is a direct attack on the health of the people of Mandi. The government’s inability to fill vacant posts and the arbitrary transfer of doctors has turned our hospitals into empty shells,” Jamwal stated.
He also criticised the government for neglecting essential health schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Himcare, which have stalled due to the administration’s negligence.
Jamwal further alleged that Congress leaders from Mandi have remained silent on the issue, bowing to the pressure of the Chief Minister, instead of standing up for the district’s healthcare needs.
“We demand that the government immediately reverse these transfers and make the necessary appointments to ensure that Mandi’s hospitals can continue to function effectively. If the government does not take swift action, the health services in the entire state will collapse,” Jamwal warned.