Himachal Pradesh: Six Doctors including three specialists transferred from Kullu Hospital

Kullu: Over the past ten days, nearly six doctors, including three specialists, have been transferred from the Regional Hospital in Kullu by the Himachal Pradesh government. 

There are 37 sanctioned posts of doctors at the Regional hospital in Kullu, and the strength would come down to 34 after the transfer of these six doctors. Currently, there are 40 doctors, comprising 23 specialists and 17 MBBS.  

Also Read:Telangana: Govt Doctor abused, transferred over not receiving MLA

The patients coming from Kullu, Mandi, Lahaul, and Spiti districts, and Pangi and Killar regions of Chamba district have already been facing problems due to a shortage of specialists at the hospital. Meanwhile, a 100-bed Maternal and Child Health (MCH) section was recently extended to the hospital without increasing the strength of doctors. 

The three specialists who were transferred have been identified as the ophthalmologist Dr. Anchit Wapa, orthopaedic specialist Dr. Santusht Sharma and anesthesia specialist Dr. Rajeev Shashni. Other transfers include Dr. Aditi, who has been transferred to Lahaul, while Dr. Parul and Dr. Lokesh have been shifted to health institutions in Mandi district, reports the Tribune India. 

Recently, the Kullu MLA Sunder Thakur had been protesting for a month regarding the filling of vacant posts of specialist doctors at the Regional Hospital. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed by the Kullu Zila Parishad president Pankaj Parmar in the High Court, following which the government quickly filled the vacant posts in the hospital due to the court orders. The MLA said that they would file an appeal in the High Court to stop transfers. 

The minister however added that the strength of specialist doctors in the hospital should have been increased with the setting up of a 100-bed Maternal and Child Health (MCH) section. 

Dr. Naresh Chand, Medical Superintendent, Regional Hospital, Kullu, said, "Specialist doctors are available in all departments, and there is no shortage of doctors. One MBBS doctor from the Keylong hospital has been transferred here." 

Also Read:Transfer of 42 more Doctors canceled by UP Government for defying norms