PHCs functioning in Himachal: Health Secy, Chief Secy summoned by High Court
A division bench comprising Chief Justice L. Narayana Swamy and Justice Anoop Chitkara passed these orders on a writ petition filed by Davinder Sharma and Vinay Sharma, saying the PHC in Ghanahatti in Shimla district is functioning since 1988.
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Friday directed the Chief Secretary and the Secretary (Health) to be present before the court on Saturday in connection with the functioning of a Primary Health Centre (PHCs) in the state.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice L. Narayana Swamy and Justice Anoop Chitkara passed these orders on a writ petition filed by Davinder Sharma and Vinay Sharma, saying the PHC in Ghanahatti in Shimla district is functioning since 1988.
There is one sanctioned post of a doctor, one post of staff nurse, one post of X-ray technician, one post of eye refractionist, one post of pharmacist, among other posts, in the PHC.
They said keeping in view the increase in the number of patients in the village having a population of about 12,000, a new building for the PHC was sanctioned and has been constructed, but till date, the PHC has not started operating from the new building.
Also Read: Himachal: Senior doctor succumbs to COVID-19
The doctor from the PHC was transferred in March and since then no regular doctor has been appointed.
They said in the absence of a doctor, the PHC is being manned by a pharmacist.
The doctor who has been assigned the additional charge of this PHC visits only for three days in a week and that too for limited hours of the day.
They said one dentist also visits the PHC who has been asked to give medicines to the patients.
The petitioners prayed to direct the state to immediately appoint a regular doctor, a dentist, and paramedical staff at the PHC and to start its functioning from the new building which has a capacity of 10 beds.
Earlier, the court had directed the state to file details regarding the staff strength in each PHC in the state.
Also Read: SR Anaesthesia allegedly commits suicide, syringe found beside dead body
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.