Himachal Pradesh: HC issues notice on shortage of doctors in Kullu Hospital

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notices to the Principal Secretary (Health), Director Health Services to the Government of Himachal Pradesh and Chief Medical Officer, Regional Hospital Kullu, in a matter pertaining to the shortage of Medical Officers (Specialist), Medical Officers and other medical facilities in the Regional Hospital Kullu.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A. A Sayed and Justice Sandeep Sharma passed these orders on a Public Interest Litigation filed by one Sh. Pankaj Parmar, Chairman Zila Parishad Kullu.

Also Read:Odisha: VIMSAR recruits 26 Assistant Professors

The petitioner has alleged that due to a shortage of Medical Officers (Specialists), other Medical Officers and para-medical staff, the people have to run to IGMC Shimla, RPGMC Tanda and Chandigarh for treatment. Due to inadequate Medical Officers and other amenities, the general public at large has to run from pillar to post. The petitioner has alleged that the was taken up time and again but to no avail.

The petitioner has further alleged that the Chief Minister has inaugurated 100 bedded Mother Child Hospital Block, at Regional Hospital Kullu, on 18.06.2022, but there is no Medical Officer (Specialist) Pediatrician, Radiologist and only one Gynecologist has been posted. It has been further alleged that the respondent State has failed to fill up vacancies of Medical Officers and to provide appropriate medical facilities in the Regional Hospital.

The petitioner has prayed to direct the respondents to immediately fill up the vacancies of Medical Officers (Specialist), other Medical Officers and staff so that the general public does not suffer. The petitioner has further prayed to direct respondents to make functional the 100-bedded Mother Child Hospital Block, recently inaugurated by the Chief Minister, immediately.

The Court has directed the respondents to file a reply affidavit within two weeks. In the meanwhile, the Court expects the respondents to post at least one paediatrician in the hospital within two days. The matter has been listed for 21.07.2022.