Shortage of para-medical staff in Rohru Civil Hospital: Himachal HC issues notice

Shimla: In response to the shortage of para-medical staff in Civil Hospital Rohru, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the state's Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Health) to the Govt of H.P, Director (Health) and Block Medical Officer, Rohru seeking response regarding the matter. 

The Division Bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Virender Singh passed this order on a petition taken up suo moto by the Court as Public Interest Litigation, on the basis of a news item published in a newspaper on May 16 2023.

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The news item stated that about 400-500 people visit Civil Hospital Rohru, every day but due to the paucity of para-medical staff, patients are constrained to wander for medication. The news item reported that out of 31 posts of nurses, 17 are lying vacant and likewise, out of 9 posts of pharmacists only 3 posts have been filled up.

If someone goes on leave, the doctors have to discharge the duty of para-medical staff. Further, some of the nurses have been engaged during the COVID period and if their services are discontinued, the working of the hospital will be hampered severely.

The people of the vicinity have apprised the local MLA about the situation but no action has been taken to fill up the vacant posts by the Health Department. There is resentment amongst the people.

“The paramedical staff is under immense mental pressure and patients have to wait for a long period to see a doctor. Local people have apprised the local MLA about the situation but the Health Department has not filled the posts,” the news report stated, The Tribune reports.

The matter has been listed for May 23, 2023, and respondents have been directed to file a reply.

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