Shimla, November 4, 2024 — In a significant move, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has stepped in to address the long-standing controversy surrounding the Atal Superspeciality Institute at Chamyana, which is part of the IGMC hospital,Shimla.
In an order issued today, the court, on its own motion, directed the state government to bring all relevant stakeholders on board to determine the future course of action for the hospital.
Acting Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya expressed strong reservations about leaving the fate of this institution to "the wisdom and discretion of a single individual or a select few."
Recognizing the need for a collaborative approach, the court ordered that representatives from various sectors, including top state health officials, law enforcement, the transport department, and NGOs, be included in a meeting scheduled for November 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the office of the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh.
The state government’s representation at the hearing included Advocate General Anup Rattan and his team of additional advocates, while respondent No. 8—an intervener in the case—was represented by Advocate Hamender Singh Chandel.
The court’s directive lists a comprehensive array of participants, aimed at ensuring a holistic approach to the hospital’s functionality. These include:
IGMC's Medical Superintendent and Principal
Heads of Super Specialty Departments
Doctors' and paramedical staff representatives
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Managing Director
Top officials from Public Works (PWD), Health, and Revenue Departments
Senior Advocate Bimal Gupta and Advocate Deven Khanna
NGO and civil society representatives
The order mandates the Chief Secretary to oversee the proceedings and place the minutes of this high-stakes meeting before the court on November 13, 2024. The court's intervention underscores the pressing need for clarity on how this much-debated facility can best serve the region, moving beyond bureaucratic delays and political posturing.
The Atal Superspeciality Institute, which was conceived as a top-tier healthcare facility, has often been mired in controversies, with critics questioning its planning, usage, and oversight.
With the court's insistence on a transparent, collective approach, there is renewed hope for a breakthrough in this healthcare impasse that has left residents of Shimla and surrounding areas waiting for quality medical services.
