TNR published a detailed investigation into the acute healthcare crisis in Jogindernagar
Munish Sood
MANDI
Even as torrential rains lashed Himachal Pradesh, overflowing rivers cut off roads, and landslides made travel dangerous, hundreds of residents from more than two dozen panchayats of Jogindernagar subdivision marched on foot to the Civil Hospital on Monday. Their demand: immediate restoration of collapsing health services and urgent recruitment of doctors.
The demonstration, led by Himachal Kisan Sabha State Vice President and Zila Parishad member Kushal Bhardwaj, turned into one of the largest public mobilizations the region has seen in recent months. Farmers’ union members, Mahila Mandal groups, retired employees, and ordinary villagers joined hands, braving rain and broken roads to make their voices heard.
This comes just days after TNR published a detailed investigation into the acute healthcare crisis in Jogindernagar, highlighting systemic neglect and severe shortages of doctors.
Civil Hospital With Just One Doctor
At the heart of the crisis is Jogindernagar Civil Hospital, which is currently functioning with only one doctor. The lone gynecologist on duty is simultaneously managing all patients and handling the responsibilities of Senior Medical Officer (SMO).
Out of 19 sanctioned doctor posts, 16 remain vacant. Critical specialist positions — including medicine, surgery, anesthesia, ENT, dermatology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and pediatrics — are all lying empty.
Equally alarming is the fact that for the last 18 years, the hospital has had no sonographer, leaving its ultrasound machine unused. In addition, vacancies include:
• 1 Staff Nurse
• 1 OTA
• 2 Radiographers
• 1 MLT Grade-1
• 1 ECG technician
• 3 Drivers
• 3 Midwives
• 8 Class-IV employees
Other hospitals across the subdivision — including Civil Hospital Lad-Bharol, CHC Chauntra, and multiple PHCs — are also reeling under acute shortage of doctors and staff. CHC Chauntra has no gynecologist, forcing women to travel long distances for even basic maternal care.
“Government and Opposition Equally Responsible”
Addressing the protestors, Kushal Bhardwaj squarely blamed both the ruling state government and the opposition for failing Jogindernagar.
“The government has turned its back on the people, and the opposition has chosen silence. Recently, over 200 doctors were appointed across Himachal Pradesh, yet not a single one was posted to Jogindernagar. Instead, one doctor was transferred out,” Bhardwaj said.
He demanded:
• Appointment of at least 10 doctors in the subdivision from upcoming recruitments.
• Immediate filling of 16 vacant posts at Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, including specialists.
• Sonographer appointment after nearly two decades.
• Posting of a gynecologist and four more doctors at CHC Chauntra.
• Filling of staff vacancies across all hospitals and PHCs.
Ultimatum to the Government
The Kisan Sabha also announced the launch of a signature campaign, aiming to collect 40,000 signatures in the next 15 days.
“If no doctors are appointed within a month, thousands will march to Jogindernagar and lock the Civil Hospital in broad daylight,” Bhardwaj warned, as the crowd erupted in slogans.
Block president Ravinder Kumar added that the Kisan Sabha would start a village-to-village campaign from Tuesday, holding gram sabha-level meetings to mobilize wider participation.
A Brewing People’s Movement
Alongside Bhardwaj and Kumar, several local leaders and women representatives — including Sudarshan Walia, Bhagat Ram, Tilak Raj Thakur, Kamla Devi, Indira Devi, and members of multiple Mahila Mandals — joined the protest. A memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister and Health Minister was handed over through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
What Lies Ahead
Jogindernagar today stands on the edge of a healthcare breakdown. With 16 of 19 doctor posts vacant, no specialists, and critical staff shortages, residents are left without access to even basic medical services.
The rains may have temporarily blocked the roads, but the real blockade, villagers argue, is the government’s apathy. Unless urgent action is taken, the protest movement in Jogindernagar may soon escalate into a full-fledged agitation that the state government can no longer ignore.
