Shimla, April 11
A anger and resentment is brewing in Shimla’s healthcare fraternity and residents —and it’s no longer confined to hospital corridors.
From doctors and nurses to patients and civil society, resentment is spilling out onto the streets over the proposed “silent shifting” of the century-old Kamla Nehru Hospital, the state’s premier 300- bedded Mother and Child healthcare institution.
What was once nurtured and expanded by successive governments—from Dr Ys Parmar, Thakur Ram Lal, Shanta Kumar to Virbhadra Singh and Prem Kumar Dhumal to Jairam Thakur—is now staring at what many are calling a “systematic dismantling” under the garb of Vyavastha Parivartan.
“A Healthcare Lifeline Being Strangled”
For over 100 years, Kamla Nehru Hospital—earlier known as Lady Reading Hospital—has been the go-to centre for expectant mothers and newborn care across Himachal Pradesh.
Perched on Shimla’s sunny southern slope, its location, accessibility, and specialized care made it indispensable.
Today, that legacy is under threat.
Doctors allege that despite repeated consultations chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Health Department, every single stakeholder—from resident doctors to faculty and staff—has opposed the move.
Yet, the government appears determined to push ahead.
“Shift Without Orders, Without Logic”
Sources reveal a startling claim: the hospital administration has been verbally directed to begin shifting operations to IGMC by April 16—without any official notification.
Even more alarming are allegations that the Head of the Gynaecology Department is being “pressurised” by the Health Secretary Sudha Devi to execute a phased relocation.
Ironically, Sudha Devi herself has proceeded on leave till April 18—right in the middle of the controversy—and has already been pulled up by the High Court in a separate healthcare dues case.
Sudha Devi faced heat in Vidhan sabha as well for her role in cases of transfer and promotion of doctors in the health department.
Overcrowded IGMC vs Purpose-Built Mother Hospital
The proposed relocation site—Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital—is already bursting at the seams.
The SAMDCOT (umbrella association of medical and dental colleges in Himachal) has flagged serious concerns.
There is not enough suitable space to accommodate a 300-bed specialized hospital. Existing wards already overcrowded and not fit into needs of the mother and new born babies.
It Lacks dedicated neonatal and maternal infrastructure.
“There’s simply no room. This isn’t shifting—it’s squeezing a lifeline into chaos,” said a senior doctor.
From ₹20 Crore Upgrade to Uncertain Future
Adding to the outrage is the fact that over ₹20 crore has already been spent on upgrading Kamla Nehru Hospital’s infrastructure, with expansion plans in the pipeline for advanced labs and specialized maternal care units.
Now, all of it risks being rendered redundant.
MLA Hostel Over Hospital?
Whispers in the corridors suggest a controversial motive: the prime land of Kamla Nehru Hospital could be repurposed for an MLA hostel.
If true, critics say, it lays bare a disturbing priority—political comfort over patient care.
“Dumping Patients into a Nala?”
In perhaps the most shocking claim, insiders allege that due to lack of space at IGMC, some facilities may be temporarily shifted to Parking complex in a drain (nala)—raising serious concerns about hygiene, pollution, and patient safety. What a vision, putting new born babies in concrete Parking complex whereas hospital needs a separate hospital architect for health care needs, say a health expert.
“It’s not just mismanagement—it’s inhuman,” said a civil society member.
Ministers Helpless?
Sources claim even Health Minister Dhaniram Shandil and local MLA Harish Janartha have expressed their inability to halt the move, allegedly citing lack of traction with the Chief Minister.
Weather, Location Add to Woes. The contrast couldn’t be starker. Kamla Nehru Hospital: Sunny, southern exposure—ideal for recovery.
IGMC: Cold, northern slope—bone-chilling conditions, especially risky for newborns.
Protests, Legal Battle Loom
With anger reaching a tipping point, residents and doctors are now preparing for: Mass protests Court intervention to seek a stay.
“This is not just a hospital—it’s an institution that has delivered generations,” said a senior citizen. “You don’t erase it overnight.”
As Shimla watches this healthcare flashpoint unfold, one question echoes across the hills: Who will take responsibility if this ‘mindless shifting’ ends up costing lives? Is government out to Destroy health institutions named after Kamla Nehru, wife of First PM of India, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. Will CM do some self-introspection?
#SaveKamlaNehruHospital #ShimlaHealthcareCrisis #MotherAndChildCare #HimachalNews #HealthcareNotPolitics
RESPONSES:
1.HP CM Sukhu is bent upon destroying the health institutions without realizing its repercussions.
-Dr. PC Negi, Former HOD, CARDIOLOGY, IGMC, SHIMLA
