Shimla, Dec 6 (Updated at 1850hours),
In a significant directive aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure in the state, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has sought a detailed roadmap from the government for making the All India Medical Sciences Satellite (AIMSS) Hospital in Chamiyana fully operational.
The court’s intervention came during the hearing of a public interest litigation, with Acting Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya presiding over the matter. Senior health officials, representatives from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD) were present during the proceedings.
The state government presented a phased plan to operationalize the hospital. In the first phase, OPD services in neurology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, urology, and nephrology will commence within a month, contingent on the availability of infrastructure, manpower, and transportation facilities. Once these departments are running smoothly, gastroenterology and nephrology services will be relocated to Chamiyana, followed by the launch of cardiology, cardiothoracic vascular surgery (CTVS), and neurosurgery services.
The court, however, raised concerns about several critical issues. It directed the Principal Secretary (Health) to file a personal affidavit addressing parking space, facilities for attendants, and the adequacy of canteen arrangements.
The court also sought clarity on transportation services for hospital staff, particularly those from lower service levels. Additionally, the court demanded detailed information on the availability of diagnostic services, operation theaters, biomedical waste disposal, blood storage, and dietary provisions for in-house patients. It further questioned the feasibility of relocating super-specialty departments from IGMC to Chamiyana, citing potential disruptions in cohesive patient care and faculty availability.
Access to the hospital was another significant point of discussion. The NHAI and HPPWD assured the court that a 300-meter road stretch leading to the hospital would be operational by January 31, 2025. The NHAI committed to maintaining this road segment, while local landowners at Bhattakuffar agreed to sell portions of their properties at ₹12 lakh per biswa to clear the bottleneck.
The court directed the SDM (Rural) to appear on December 9, 2024, with updates on the progress of land acquisition and road connectivity. While officials from the health department and other agencies were excused from further personal appearances, the court emphasized the urgency of addressing the state’s healthcare needs through a functional AIMSS Chamiyana.
This intervention by the High Court evidently showcases the importance of timely action in improving healthcare accessibility and infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh.
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