SHIMLA- The High Court of Himachal Pradesh today issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Health) to the Govt. of H.P., Director (Health) and Block Medical Officer, Rohru, seeking their reply in a matter relating to shortage of para-medical staff in Civil Hospital Rohru

The Division Bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Virender Singh, passed this order on a petition taken up suo moto by the Court as Public Interest Litigation, on the basis of news item published in a news paper on 16.05.2023.

The news item stated that about 400-500 people visit Civil Hospital Rohru, everyday but due to paucity of para-medical staff, patients are constrained to wander for medication.

The news item reported that out of 31 posts of nurses, 17 are lying vacant and likewise out of 09 posts of pharmacists only 03 posts have been filled up, the court observed.

If someone goes on leave, the doctors have to discharge the duty of para-medical staff.

Further, some of the nurses have been engaged during COVID period and if their services are discontinued, the working of the hospital will be hampered severely.

The para-medical staff is under immense mental pressure and patients have to wander from pillar to post for medication in this 100-bedded hospital.  

The people of the vicinity have apprised the local MLA about the situation but no action has been taken to fill up the vacant posts by the Health Department.

There is resentment amongst the people.

The matter has been listed for 23.05.2023, and respondents have been directed to file reply.

As a matter of fact the former CM late Virbhadra Singh had dedicated the hospital to public about 20 years ago.