A Lifeline in Crisis: Himachal’s Tanda Medical College Struggles Under Patient Load

With two patients often forced to share a single bed and doctors working double shifts, the only super-specialty hospital serving Himachal Pradesh’s lower hill regions urgently requires an upgrade.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda (TMC), the sole super-specialty facility catering to the underserved areas of the state, is overwhelmed by an increasing patient load, staff shortages, and outdated infrastructure. Serving six districts — Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, and Chamba among them — the hospital has become the last hope for thousands of people, yet its resources are far from sufficient to meet the demand.

Though the hospital is authorized for 860 beds, it frequently admits over 1,000 patients. During peak summer months, it is not uncommon for two patients to be assigned to a single bed, while others are discharged prematurely to make space for new arrivals requiring urgent surgeries. With no comparable facility in the region, TMC remains the only option for critical care, leading to a flood of referrals from neighboring districts.

A senior doctor at TMC acknowledged that pressure on the hospital has intensified since private hospitals stopped accepting patients under the HimCare scheme. Many patients who previously sought treatment elsewhere are now entirely dependent on Tanda. Doctors are working two shifts to handle overflowing outpatient departments and surgeries. Additionally, several key posts for specialists and super-specialists remain vacant following resignations, with no replacements appointed by the state government.

The doctor stressed the urgent need for expanding the hospital’s capacity — approving more positions, constructing new wards, and installing advanced diagnostic equipment. “At the very least, we need five additional MRI and five CT scan machines to reduce the waiting list,” he said, while also emphasizing the need to recruit more nurses, pharmacists, and paramedical staff to sustain essential services.

Patients echoed these concerns, appreciating the dedication of doctors and staff but urging the government to do more. A patient’s caregiver said, “The staff is doing their best, but the workload is overwhelming. The hospital must be upgraded to match facilities at PGI-Chandigarh so that no patient from Himachal Pradesh has to be referred outside the state.”

Without immediate intervention, Tanda Medical College risks collapse under the weight of its own importance. It is a lifeline that cannot be allowed to fail — yet it is steadily being pushed beyond its capacity.