In a significant development for healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh, the High Court has given its green signal for the operation of five outpatient departments (OPDs) at Atal Super Specialty Medical Institute in Chamiyana. This ruling comes after a petition from the state government to open eight OPDs, with the court approving five departments on a trial basis.
The decision, issued by the division bench of Acting Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya, is a major boost to the healthcare infrastructure in the region. The OPDs that will operate include Neurology, Andrology, Nephrology, Urology, and Plastic Surgery. These services are expected to alleviate the pressure on Shimla’s IGMC and provide better access to specialized care for local residents.
Staffing and Transport Reforms to Support Hospital Operations
In addition to reopening the OPDs, the court has ordered the transfer of 35 staff nurses from IGMC to Chamiyana to ensure adequate healthcare staffing. The Medical Superintendent has been instructed to ensure that cleanliness and maintenance standards are upheld at the new facility.
To improve accessibility, the court has directed the Principal Secretary of Health to expedite the tender process for private shuttle buses. These buses will facilitate transport for around 600 IGMC employees commuting to Chamiyana. Furthermore, the state government has committed to running three shuttle buses for patients traveling between IGMC and Chamiyana, with provisions for a medicine shop and a canteen at the hospital to enhance patient convenience.
Infrastructure Developments and Legal Actions
The government has also assured the court that the NHAI will begin tarring 100 meters of road near the hospital, while plans are underway to construct two multi-storey parking lots 300 meters from the hospital once the required land is provided. The electricity board has been instructed to install street lights between Bhattakufar and Chamiyana and to repair 200 meters of the deteriorating road.
In a broader legal move, the court issued notices to Panchayat Chamivana and HPSCBEL, making them parties to the public interest litigation (PIL). This action aims to resolve issues related to land acquisition for the hospital and parking facilities, ensuring that the construction process proceeds without further delays.
With these developments, the Chamiyana hospital is poised to offer enhanced healthcare services, reduce the patient burden at IGMC, and provide much-needed relief to patients and their families.
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