Pangi Valley Residents Protest Surgeon’s Transfer, Threaten Hunger Strike
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Pangi: The remote Pangi Valley in Himachal Pradesh, known for its geographical isolation and already limited healthcare services, is facing a fresh crisis. The state government’s decision to transfer the valley’s only surgeon, Dr. Vishal Sharma, has triggered widespread unrest. Dr. Sharma, who had become a critical figure in Pangi’s healthcare system, has been reassigned to Bharmour Civil Hospital, a move that residents are vehemently opposing. In protest, locals have given the government a three-day ultimatum, threatening a hunger strike if the transfer is not reversed.
Dr. Sharma, based at Civil Hospital Killar, was a crucial resource for the valley’s residents. With Pangi’s rugged terrain and poor road connectivity, access to healthcare has always been a challenge. Dr. Sharma’s surgical expertise, along with his efforts to organize free medical camps, brought much-needed relief to the region. His departure has left the community in shock, with many fearing the deterioration of an already fragile healthcare system.
Following the news of his transfer, protests erupted across the valley. Led by the Pangwal Unity Forum, local organizations quickly mobilized, submitting a memorandum to the Chief Minister and Health Minister through the Residential Commissioner. The memorandum demands the immediate cancellation of Dr. Sharma’s transfer and warns of large-scale protests, including a hunger strike, if the government does not comply within three days.
During his tenure, Dr. Sharma not only performed essential surgeries but also improved overall healthcare access in Pangi through regular medical camps and free check-ups. His absence, residents fear, will force them to travel long distances for medical care, a costly and time-consuming ordeal given the region’s poor infrastructure.
“The people of Pangi Valley are already suffering from inadequate healthcare services. Transferring Dr. Sharma will only add to our miseries,” said Trilok Thakur, president of the Pangwal Unity Forum, as he led the call for action.
