Shimla, May 2
At a time when the State government is facing stiff protests from women’s organisations such as All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) and Left trade unions over the alleged negligent attitude towards women’s healthcare services, a statement by opposition BJP alleged that number of nursing students are contracting tuberculosis (TB) at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Nursing Institute and Hospital, Rampur-Khaneri—further mounting pressure on the Congress government.
In a press release issued on Saturday Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur termed the development “unfortunate” and indicative of systemic failure in the state’s health sector.
He said that 19 out of 90 students at the institute have been infected with TB in some form, with reports also pointing towards cases of MDR-TB.
Thakur alleged that despite extensive support from the Centre in the form of funding, medicines, and national-level TB eradication programmes, the state government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has failed to ensure proper healthcare delivery and timely intervention.
He referred to complaints by families highlighting lapses in diagnosis, treatment, and even basic facilities such as nutrition in the hostel.
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He also raised concern over allegations that some students were advised non-medical practices instead of proper treatment, calling it a serious lapse in handling an infectious disease.
The Opposition has demanded a high-level probe into the incident, immediate medical care for affected students, and corrective measures to prevent further spread of infection, even as protests over the state’s healthcare management continue to intensify.
Update at 1315hours on May 3
Health Department Issues Clarification
Following publication of the report, the Health Department issued a clarification regarding the reported tuberculosis (TB) cases linked to the MGMSC Khaneri, Rampur Nursing Hostel.
In a communication shared with media organisations, the department stated that “misleading information” was allegedly being circulated regarding the TB situation and urged media platforms to rely on verified information to avoid unnecessary panic.
According to a press note dated May 3, 2026, the department clarified that only two nursing students are currently TB-positive and undergoing treatment. It stated that both cases were detected in July and December 2025 respectively, and that contact tracing and preventive therapy measures were undertaken for close contacts as per National TB Elimination Programme guidelines.
The department further claimed that there is no confirmed MDR-TB case among hostel residents and described certain figures circulating on social media as inaccurate. It also stated that preventive treatment and screening were carried out for identified close contacts, while nutritional support was extended to the affected students under existing health schemes.
HimachalScape has included the department’s clarification in the interest of balanced reporting.
The matter remains subject to official verification and any further response or data placed in the public domain by competent authorities.
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