Shimla, April 30
Hundreds of activists staged a protest outside Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla against the Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to shift the gynecology department from Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) and increase hospital charges.
Tensions flared in Shimla on Thursday as members of the Janwadi Mahila Samiti and Nagrik Sabha held a demonstration outside IGMC, opposing the state government’s decision to relocate the gynecology department from Kamla Nehru Hospital, the state’s only dedicated women’s hospital.
Protesters termed the move anti-people and demanded its immediate rollback, arguing that it would significantly inconvenience women patients. They also raised objections to the recent hike in charges for medical tests and other hospital services.
Addressing the gathering, Janwadi Mahila Samiti state secretary Falma Chauhan said KNH’s central location makes it easily accessible for women. She alleged that shifting the department to IGMC has forced patients to travel longer distances, causing hardship, especially for those requiring frequent visits for tests and medical clearances.
Chauhan further accused the government of taking decisions without consulting the public, adding that such steps adversely affect common citizens. She warned that if the decision isn’t withdrawn, the agitation would be intensified, including a gherao of the state Secretariat and approaching the High Court.
The protesters also criticised the increase in hospital charges, calling it an additional financial burden on the poor and middle-class sections, and demanded that the revised fees be rolled back immediately.
The demonstration is part of a growing opposition to the government’s healthcare decisions, with further protests likely if the demands remain unmet.
