Shimla, May 13
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has put an interim stay on the proposed shifting of Kamla Nehru Hospital services to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Falma Chauhan. The court has also sought a detailed response from the state government on the matter.
The division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi heard the case on Tuesday and directed the government to explain the reasons behind the proposed shift and its impact on patients. The matter will be listed for further hearing on the next date.
The High Court also stayed the proposal regarding the dental college pending the proceedings.
The state government recently decided to shift the gynecology OPD and other services from Kamla Nehru Hospital to IGMC, stating that patients would receive improved treatment and better medical facilities at the new location.
However, the move triggered strong opposition in Shimla and other parts of Himachal Pradesh.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners argued that the 102-year-old Kamla Nehru Hospital holds special importance for women and children. The petitioners claimed that shifting the services would create difficulties for patients coming from remote areas and would also affect the hospital’s historical identity.
Taking note of the concerns raised in the petition, the High Court ordered an immediate halt to the shifting process and asked the Health Department to clarify the expected benefits and possible drawbacks of the proposal.
