Ex-Servicemen Demand Urgent Action on Hospital Empanelment Amid Pollution Clearance Delays

Ex-servicemen in Mandi are raising alarms over the suspension of ECHS empanelment for Harihar Hospital, warning that delays in pollution clearance could disrupt healthcare for thousands. They have called for urgent intervention from the Chief Minister and set a deadline of September 30 for resolution. If the issue remains unresolved, a protest may be organized. The council emphasizes that veterans should not face healthcare access challenges due to administrative hurdles, urging authorities to prioritize the matter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 16, 2026, 19:10 IST

Urgent Call for Intervention from Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister

The Ex-Servicemen League in Mandi has urgently requested the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister's intervention regarding the suspension of the ECHS empanelment for Harihar Hospital located in Gutkar. They caution that any further delays could severely impact specialized healthcare services for numerous ex-servicemen, war widows, and their families across central Himachal Pradesh.

Concerns Raised at Governing Council Meeting

During a recent governing council meeting of ex-servicemen units in Mandi, led by Brigadier Khushal Thakur (YSM), the council expressed its worries about the hospital's Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), which lapsed on September 9.

Impact on Healthcare Access for Veterans

Harihar Hospital serves as the sole multi-specialty facility in the region, providing care not just to Mandi beneficiaries but also to those from Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur. The suspension of empanelment raises significant concerns regarding access to specialized healthcare, especially for veterans residing in remote and mountainous areas.

Administrative Delays Linked to Pollution Control Board

The council noted that the delay stems from administrative issues rather than any shortcomings of the hospital itself. The facility is prepared to meet the necessary QCI/NABH standards but requires a Certificate of Authorization from the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board to proceed with the renewal.

Technical Issues with Online Portal

Unfortunately, the Pollution Control Board's online portal has been non-operational since August 1, hindering the hospital's ability to submit the required documents for the certificate. Officials have suggested that it may take about a month to restore the portal.

Call for Immediate Resolution

Brig Thakur emphasized that veterans, who dedicated their lives to serving the nation, should not encounter obstacles in accessing healthcare due to a technical glitch. The council has urged both the Chief Minister and the Industry Minister to prioritize resolving this issue, potentially through manual processes if the online system remains down.

Appeal for Temporary Contract Extension

Additionally, the ex-servicemen's organization has requested a temporary three-month waiver and extension of the hospital's contract to ensure that ECHS beneficiaries continue to receive treatment while the necessary administrative steps are finalized.

Deadline Set for Resolution

The council has established September 30 as the deadline for resolving the pollution clearance issue. They have warned that if the necessary clearance is not obtained by this date, ex-servicemen and their families will be forced to organize a protest.

Commitment to Healthcare Access

While the council views protest as a last resort, their primary focus remains on restoring the hospital's ECHS empanelment. They have requested clear timelines and regular updates from the authorities, emphasizing that uninterrupted healthcare for veterans should be regarded as a public service and welfare issue, rather than merely a technical administrative matter.