Himachal BJP Delegation Urges Governor to Halt Hospital Service Relocation and Fee Increases
A delegation from the Himachal Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formally submitted a memorandum to Governor Kavinder Gupta on Monday, strongly opposing the proposed shifting of gynaecology services from Kamla Nehru Hospital in Shimla to the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC). The delegation warned that this move could severely compromise maternal and neonatal healthcare services in the region.
Concerns Over Healthcare Infrastructure and Planning
Led by state general secretary Sanjeev Katwal and media convenor Karan Nanda, the BJP leaders argued that IGMC is already operating under significant strain and is overburdened with existing patient loads. They characterized the relocation as a "silent shifting" executed without adequate public consultation or comprehensive planning. The delegation emphasized that more than Rs 20 crore of taxpayer money had been invested in recent upgrades and improvements at Kamla Nehru Hospital, making the shift appear financially imprudent and operationally disruptive.
Additional Grievance: Sharp Increase in Vehicle Pass Fees
In addition to healthcare concerns, the memorandum highlighted a separate but pressing issue: a dramatic hike in private vehicle pass fees for sealed and restricted roads within Shimla. The fee has been escalated from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000, a fivefold increase that the BJP alleges will impose undue financial burdens on local residents, business owners, and traders who rely on these routes for daily commuting and commercial activities.
Political Accusations and Demands for Immediate Action
The BJP delegation labeled the state government's decisions as arbitrary and lacking in transparency. They called for the governor's urgent intervention to address both matters. Specific demands included:
- Maintaining all existing gynaecology and maternal healthcare services at Kamla Nehru Hospital without relocation to IGMC.
- Rolling back the recently implemented hike in private vehicle pass fees to alleviate economic pressure on citizens.
The party issued a stern warning, indicating that if these concerns are not promptly addressed, they would escalate their opposition through intensified public protests and further political actions. The delegation's submission underscores growing tensions over public service management and fiscal policies in Himachal Pradesh.
