Himachal HC halts Atal Super Specialty Hospital operations citing infrastructure concerns

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has temporarily stopped the state government from opening the Atal Super Specialty Hospital in Chamiyana, Shimla, citing a lack of adequate infrastructure and transportation facilities. The court’s decision underscores the need for a robust plan to ensure patient care and staff convenience before the hospital becomes operational.

A division bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya, issued the directive on Thursday, rejecting the government’s proposal to gradually shift key medical departments from Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla to the Chamiyana facility. The court emphasized that any phased commissioning without proper infrastructure could compromise the quality of patient care.

The state Advocate General urged the court to reconsider the injunction, pointing out that expensive medical equipment installed at the new hospital could deteriorate if left unused. The government proposed relocating departments like Neurosurgery, Neurology, and Gastroenterology to Chamiyana, but the court raised serious concerns over poor road connectivity and transportation services.

Despite assurances from the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to increase bus services, the court highlighted the critical issue of an incomplete 200-meter road leading to the hospital, which is under the Public Works Department (PWD). The narrow and congested route currently poses significant challenges for both patients and staff. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) was instructed to address these road and transportation issues ahead of the next hearing.

The court also cautioned against a piecemeal approach to hospital operations, stressing that such decisions could lead to further complications. It ordered that no healthcare services be launched at Chamiyana until all essential infrastructure, including roads and transport facilities, is fully operational.

This ruling reflects the court’s commitment to ensuring that public healthcare facilities are not only functional but also accessible and equipped to deliver quality care from the outset. The decision sends a clear message that patient welfare and infrastructure readiness must take precedence over premature inaugurations.