Concerns Arise Over Healthcare Infrastructure After Hospital Lift Incident

The recent hospitalization of Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan at IGMC in Shimla due to sudden illness has raised alarming questions about the healthcare infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. The incident, which involved a malfunctioning lift that required Mahajan to be carried on a stretcher, has sparked political debate over the adequacy of facilities at the state's premier hospital. While Mahajan has since recovered and expressed gratitude for the support he received, the lift failure has drawn attention to potential shortcomings in the public health system. This situation highlights the urgent need for improvements in healthcare services across the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2026, 14:33 IST

Hospital Lift Incident Raises Alarm on Healthcare Facilities

Munish Sood
Mandi

On Saturday, Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan was taken to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla after experiencing sudden illness during a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

While addressing the media regarding the election of the Zila Parishad Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, Mahajan reportedly felt faint and almost collapsed. BJP leaders, including Chopal MLA Balbir Verma, quickly assisted him before he was transported to IGMC for urgent medical care.

The incident caused a wave of panic among party workers and supporters, who rushed to ensure that the senior BJP leader received prompt medical assistance.

However, a troubling situation arose at the hospital, as the lift was out of service when Mahajan arrived at IGMC, the leading government healthcare facility in Himachal Pradesh. Hospital staff and supporters had to carry him on a stretcher to the Critical Care Unit (CCU), raising serious concerns about the upkeep of vital facilities at the state's largest referral hospital.

This incident is expected to fuel political discussions regarding the government's ongoing assertions of enhancing healthcare services, with critics pointing out that such fundamental infrastructure failures highlight significant deficiencies in the public health system.

Hospital officials reported that Mahajan received immediate medical attention and was monitored by a team of specialists. The Leader of Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, also visited the hospital to check on his condition and spoke with the doctors managing his care.

Later that day, Mahajan reassured his supporters via social media, announcing that he had fully recovered. He mentioned that the health scare necessitated a short hospitalization but credited divine blessings, timely medical intervention, and the prayers and good wishes of his supporters for his recovery.

“I am now completely healthy,” Mahajan stated, expressing deep gratitude to everyone who reached out with calls, messages, or prayers for his recovery. He emphasized that the love, trust, and blessings of the people are his greatest source of strength.

While Mahajan's recovery has brought relief to his supporters, the reported lift malfunction at IGMC has shifted focus to the state of healthcare infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, prompting many to question whether the premier hospital is sufficiently equipped to manage medical emergencies.