Shimla, Sept 2,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued a directive to halt the operation of Outpatient Departments (OPDs) at the Super Specialty Hospital in Chamiyana, citing the lack of essential infrastructure and facilities. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Satyen Vaidya, delivered the order during a hearing on Monday, expressing serious concerns about the hospital’s inadequate infrastructure.
Also read: Transport woes hit OPD patient, as IGMC shifts 6 super -specialties to Chamiana
The court criticized the state government for allowing the hospital to function without basic amenities such as a chemist, a metalled road, street lighting, and a police post. The bench emphasized that until the road leading to the hospital is properly paved and made safe for vehicles, the OPD services of all departments should be conducted at IGMC Shimla instead.
The court’s decision came after reviewing a status report filed by the State Health Department and the Public Works Department. The report highlighted that the hospital lacked essential facilities such as a canteen and sufficient transportation arrangements. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) had reportedly refused to provide buses, citing a shortage of vehicles and staff.
The division bench was particularly concerned about the safety and accessibility of the hospital, noting that the three-kilometer stretch of road leading to the facility is devoid of street lighting and that there is no accommodation for staff or doctors on-site. The absence of a police post further exacerbates security concerns.
In light of these issues, the High Court has ordered the Health Secretary and the Public Works Department to submit a revised status report by October 31, detailing the progress made in addressing these deficiencies.
The decision to relocate the OPDs of eight departments, including Cardiology, Urology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Nephrology, Plastic Surgery, and Endocrinology, to Chamiyana Hospital on August 12 has now been overturned by the High Court. Effective immediately, all OPD services will be reinstated at IGMC Shimla until the necessary improvements are made at the Chamiyana facility.
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