Cardiology Crisis Deepens at Tanda as Govt Shifts HOD, Patients Fear Impact on Heart Care
SHIMLA/DHARAMSHALA: The transfer of Dr. Mukul Kumar, Head of the Cardiology Department at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC), Tanda, to the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Shimla, has triggered ire of patients and residents.
The patients, doctors and opposition leaders questioned the government's priorities as patients at Tanda have been left in the lurch.
The decision comes amid growing discontent within the medical fraternity over a series of contentious decisions relating to seniority lists, promotions, training opportunities and transfers.
Many doctors have approached the High Court in recent months challenging administrative decisions taken by the Health Department.
Members of the Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA) and sections of the medical fraternity have openly criticized the functioning of the department, alleging that major decisions are being driven by the bureaucracy rather than elected leadership.
They claim that Health Minister Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil has remained largely invisible in key policy and administrative matters, while Health Secretary M. Sudha has emerged as the dominant force in the department.
Doctors have also expressed resentment over remarks made against the medical community during recent controversies.
Against this backdrop, the transfer of a senior cardiologist from Tanda has further fueled concerns about the future of specialized healthcare services in the state.
Patients and residents fear the move could adversely affect cardiac care at one of Himachal Pradesh's premier medical institutions, which caters to lakhs of people from Kangra, Chamba, Una and adjoining districts.
The government has yet to explain how cardiology services at Tanda will be strengthened following the transfer or whether additional specialists will be deployed to the institution.
Reacting sharply, BJP MLA Dr. Janak Raj said:
“The situation in the Cardiology Department of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda, is becoming a matter of grave concern.
If the only functional cardiology specialist in the department has been transferred, it could directly impact healthcare services for thousands of patients.
The government claiming to bring ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ must explain how patients suffering from serious heart ailments will now receive treatment. Is weakening departments already struggling with a shortage of specialists the new system?
The people of Himachal want answers. Is the government strengthening healthcare services or leaving them at God's mercy?
The government must immediately ensure adequate appointments of specialist doctors in the Cardiology Department.”
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