Shimla, April 24
The State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers on Thursday opposed the Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to shift the gynaecology unit from Kamla Nehru Hospital to Indira Gandhi Medical College, warning that the move would effectively bifurcate the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and could affect patient care and medical training.
In a statement, the association termed the decision “illogical, unprecedented, and against established medical and academic principles”. It said the OBG department functions as a unified system in teaching institutions, where integrated care and coordinated training are essential.
The association cautioned that separating gynaecology from obstetrics would disrupt patient treatment continuity and weaken multidisciplinary coordination. It added that such a move could lead to delays, inefficiencies and compromised standards of care. The body also raised concerns over its impact on undergraduate and postgraduate education, stating that structured training programmes could be adversely affected.
Questioning the rationale behind the shift, the association said the plan to expand robotic surgery at Indira Gandhi Medical College does not justify the bifurcation, noting that only a limited number of patients require such procedures.
It further said Kamla Nehru Hospital already has adequate infrastructure and proposed expansions, including facilities for specialised care, which could face delays due to the decision.
The state government has maintained that shifting the gynaecology unit aims to provide improved facilities. The association has urged reconsideration, warning of long-term implications for healthcare delivery and medical education in the state.
