Shimla – The Himachal Pradesh High Court, in a public interest litigation (CWPIL No. 38 of 2024), sought a comprehensive roadmap from the State Government regarding the full operationalization of the AIMSS hospital at Chamiyana.
The bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya expressed concerns over various shortcomings and directed the Principal Secretary (Health) to file a personal affidavit addressing key issues.
Key Issues Raised by the Court
The court outlined several critical aspects for the government to address:
- Parking and Facilities: The lack of parking spaces, canteen facilities for attendants, and reports of a canteen constructed over a sewerage treatment plant.
- Staff Transportation: Provisions for staff transportation, especially for lower-level employees.
- Infrastructure Details: Availability of labs, operation theaters, medical equipment, staff postings, and waste disposal systems.
- Blood Bank and Dietary Services: Readiness of blood bank facilities and dietary provisions for in-house patients.
- Academic and Operational Challenges: Ensuring super-specialists are available for MBBS and specialty student training without disruption.
The court also sought plans for inter-departmental cohesiveness and expansion of basic and super-specialty departments to provide comprehensive care.
Road and Accessibility Concerns
Accessibility to Chamiyana hospital remains a significant bottleneck. SDM (Rural) was directed to appear in court with updates on property acquisition to resolve roadblocks near Bhattakuffar. The owners of these properties reportedly agreed to sell at ₹12 lakh per biswa.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) assured the court that a 100-meter stretch of road under its purview would be operational within two months. The Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD) committed to linking an additional 200 meters by January 31, 2025. The NHAI also agreed to maintain the entire 300-meter stretch.
Progress on Departments
According to minutes submitted to the court, the government plans to operationalize the following departments at AIMSS Chamiyana:
- Neurology, Endocrinology, Urology, and Plastic Surgery OPD: Within a month, along with ambulances and manpower.
- Gastroenterology and Nephrology: To be added after stabilization.
- Cardiology and Neurosurgery: To follow subsequently.
Next Hearing on December 9
The court appreciated the proactive stance of NHAI and HPPWD but stressed timely action. The next hearing is scheduled for December 9, 2024, with directions for SDM (Rural) to present detailed progress.
