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Himachal High Court orders closure of OPDs at Chamiyana hospital due to lack of basic infrastructure

In a significant move, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the suspension of Outpatient Department (OPD) services at the Super Specialty Hospital in Chamiyana. The court cited the hospital’s severe lack of essential infrastructure and basic facilities as the reason behind its decision.

A division bench, led by Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Satyen Vaidya, delivered this order on Monday, expressing deep concern over the inadequate infrastructure at the hospital. The judges criticized the state government for permitting the hospital to operate without basic amenities, including a chemist, a proper metalled road, street lighting, and a police post. The court emphasized that until the road leading to the hospital is paved and made safe for vehicles, all OPD services should be relocated to IGMC Shimla.

This decision follows a review of a status report submitted by the State Health Department and the Public Works Department, which underscored the hospital’s deficiencies. The report highlighted the absence of critical facilities, such as a canteen and adequate transportation services. Notably, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has refused to provide bus services to the hospital, citing a shortage of vehicles and staff.

The court was particularly alarmed by the safety and accessibility concerns surrounding the hospital. The three-kilometer road leading to the facility lacks street lighting, and there is no accommodation for hospital staff or doctors on-site. The absence of a police post only adds to the security concerns.

In response to these pressing issues, the High Court has directed the Health Secretary and the Public Works Department to submit a revised status report by October 31, detailing the progress made in addressing these deficiencies.

As a result of the court’s decision, the recent move to shift OPDs from eight departments—including Cardiology, Urology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Nephrology, Plastic Surgery, and Endocrinology—to Chamiyana Hospital has been reversed. Effective immediately, all OPD services will return to IGMC Shimla until the necessary improvements are made at the Chamiyana facility.

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