Balh MLA Advocates for Medical Infrastructure Improvements in Himachal Pradesh

Urgent Call for Medical Facility Enhancements

Balh MLA highlights critical healthcare needs

Munish Sood
Mandi
Inder Singh Gandhi, the MLA for Balh, has raised significant concerns regarding the urgent need for improvements at the Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital located in Nerchowk. He has approached Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, advocating for federal support to transform this institution into a leading super-speciality healthcare and medical education center for the state of Himachal Pradesh.

During his meeting with Nadda in New Delhi, Gandhi presented a memorandum requesting the establishment of a super-speciality block at Nerchowk, the construction of a paramedical institute, and expedited progress on the proposed medical university. He also highlighted the current inadequacies in medicines, medical equipment, and patient care facilities at the college.

Gandhi pointed out that approximately ₹12 crore allocated for the paramedical institute remains unutilized, despite the availability of nearly 10 bighas of land adjacent to the medical college. He urged the relevant authorities to release these funds and initiate construction without delay.

According to Gandhi, the establishment of the institute would not only enhance educational prospects for the youth of Himachal but also help mitigate the shortage of trained paramedical staff within the state's healthcare framework.

Concerns Over Medical University Delays

Gandhi also expressed frustration over the slow progress in establishing a medical university, despite the presence of ample land. He noted that around 200 bighas are available at Mudapar, along with an additional 78 bighas of flat land at Kansa Chowk.

"With sufficient land already secured, there should be no further delays in advancing the medical university project," Gandhi stated, emphasizing the need for political commitment and a clear plan for its development.

He envisions the proposed university as a facility that could house academic buildings, hostels, research centers, and other essential amenities, significantly enhancing medical education, research, and specialized healthcare in the region.

Patients Facing Basic Facility Shortages

Gandhi alleged that patients at Nerchowk Medical College continue to struggle with access to fundamental services, including necessary medications and diagnostic tools. He noted that frequently malfunctioning equipment forces patients to seek alternatives, complicating treatment for serious conditions.

He asserted that a medical college of Nerchowk's stature should be equipped with sufficient medicines, operational equipment, specialist physicians, and modern treatment options to prevent patients from having to travel elsewhere for critical care.

"Nerchowk serves not just Balh or Mandi; it is a vital healthcare resource for patients from Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and beyond," Gandhi remarked, underscoring that enhancing the institution would benefit a significant portion of the state.

Gandhi urged the government to promptly utilize the available funds and land for healthcare and medical education initiatives instead of allowing them to stagnate. He expressed optimism that the Centre would heed the requests made to Nadda and support the development of Nerchowk into a prominent center for super-speciality treatment and medical education.