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Mass Transfer of 41 Doctors from Nerchowk Medical College Triggers Political Uproar in Mandi
A major political controversy has erupted in Himachal Pradesh after 41 doctors were transferred from Nerchowk Medical College. Opposition leaders accuse the government of adopting an “anti-Mandi” stance and warn of statewide protests if the order is not withdrawn.
A decision by the Himachal Pradesh government to transfer 41 doctors from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital in Nerchowk (Mandi) has ignited a major political controversy. Opposition BJP leaders have accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of pursuing an “anti-Mandi” and “anti-Balh” policy, claiming the move is an attempt to weaken one of the region’s key institutions.
According to the official transfer order, 28 doctors have been reassigned to various hospitals within Mandi district, while 13 others have been posted to different districts across the state. Opposition leaders argue that such a large-scale transfer at once will severely disrupt the functioning of the medical college and reduce healthcare access for local residents.
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur criticised the Congress government, calling the decision “another example of discrimination against Mandi.” He said the district has faced neglect in development, education, and healthcare since the current government came to power.
“While the Chief Minister publicly assured full support for Mandi during his recent rally, his actions after returning to Shimla reflect clear bias,” Thakur added.
Sundernagar MLA Rakesh Jamwal and Balh MLA Inder Singh Gandhi echoed similar concerns, calling the mass transfer proof of the CM’s “anti-Mandi mindset.” They argued that Nerchowk Medical College is a backbone of the state’s healthcare system, and removing so many doctors in one go will disrupt essential medical services.
“This decision is unfair to the people of Mandi and a direct blow to the region’s healthcare infrastructure,” they said.
BJP leaders further accused the Sukhu government of political vendetta, pointing out that nine out of ten Assembly constituencies in Mandi district are represented by BJP MLAs. They also cited the earlier removal of over 100 colleges from Sardar Patel University, Mandi, as another example of bias.
Warning of statewide protests, the BJP said it would launch an agitation if the government does not immediately revoke the transfer order.
“The people of Mandi will not tolerate this injustice. We will raise this issue both inside the Assembly and on the streets,” they declared.
Amid mounting pressure, the state government has yet to issue an official clarification on the rationale behind the large-scale transfers. Public concern is growing over the potential impact on healthcare services in the region, keeping the issue politically charged.
