Patients  caught in crossfire of poor planning  between IGMC and AIMSS Chamiana

Shimla, Apr 10,

A wave of frustration is sweeping through patients and their attendants as poor coordination between Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS), Chamyana, has turned medical treatment into an exhausting ordeal. The Himachal High court had allowed six super speciality departments to operate at Chamiana including Neurology, Endocrinology, Urology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, and Plastic Surgery; but without ensuring seamless integration or proper infrastructure, has led to a daily struggle for hundreds seeking treatment.

What was intended to decentralize and improve medical services has, ironically, only deepened the distress. Patients now find themselves trapped in a loop—registering at IGMC, getting tests at AIMSS, and returning to IGMC for further consultations. Each round trip between the two facilities, which are nearly 5 kilometers apart via congested roads, costs patients hours of their day and considerable physical and emotional toll.

M.P.S. Rana, a senior journalist and one of the affected patients, recounted his experience: “I had to go to IGMC for registration, travel to Chamyana for diagnostics, and then come back again to show the reports. It took me the entire day. It’s physically exhausting and mentally draining.”

Rana, who owns a car and holds a position of influence, questioned what the system expects from less privileged patients. “If it’s this difficult for me, imagine the suffering of someone without a vehicle or any contacts in the system. This is not healthcare—it’s institutional apathy.”

Another patient, Govind, shared a similar story of confusion and helplessness. “I reached AIMSS for consultation but was sent back to IGMC just for registration. I was handed a blank slip and asked to cover the distance on my own. There was no guidance, no help—just chaos.”

Attendants and family members described the process as nothing short of harassment. “People in pain are being made to travel repeatedly. The narrow, winding road between IGMC and Chamyana is not only uncomfortable but dangerous,” said one attendant. “Patients are being pushed to the edge.”

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had previously directed the administration to provide transportation between the two facilities, but on-ground implementation appears to be missing. Many patients claim there is no regular or visible shuttle service, forcing them to hire private taxis or autos, adding to their financial burden.

Also read Himachal HC permits phased shift of 6 Super Specialty OPDs to AIMSS Chamiyana

Further adding to the distress is a recently introduced registration fee, which many see as an insult to injury. “The Health Minister talks about improving services, but instead of making the system efficient, the department is adding charges. This shows a lack of empathy,” Rana said.

As patient dissatisfaction grows, there is a rising demand for immediate government intervention. Health activists, civil society members, and affected families are calling for a streamlined referral and registration system, joint diagnostic access, and above all, coordinated functioning between IGMC and AIMSS.

“The two institutions must function as one integrated unit, not as isolated islands forcing patients to ferry information between them,” said a medical staff member on condition of anonymity. “We need digital integration, on-ground transport, and clearly defined protocols.”

The current system, patients say, violates the basic tenets of accessible and humane healthcare. Without swift administrative action, Shimla’s healthcare infrastructure risks losing public trust in the very institutions meant to safeguard it.

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Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.