Protests Erupt in Himachal Pradesh Over Healthcare Crisis Following Tragic Death

Protesters Demand Accountability After Tragic Incident

Munish Sood
Mandi

The recent passing of 21-year-old Manju Sharma, who died just a day after giving birth at the Regional Hospital in Kullu, has ignited significant political and administrative turmoil, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with the healthcare system in Himachal Pradesh.

What started as claims of medical negligence has escalated into a large-scale public protest against the Congress-led government, with demonstrators accusing officials of trying to protect those accountable rather than ensuring justice.

For the second day in a row, social activist Baldev Thakur, known as Bunty Siraji, along with Sanjay Chauhan and numerous supporters, continued their indefinite hunger strike at Dhalpur Ground in Kullu. The protest gained traction as they reiterated calls for the resignation of Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, an independent investigation into the incident, and urgent reforms in the state's healthcare system.

Protesters argue that the inquiry initiated by the district administration has not inspired confidence among the public. Despite the commencement of both a magisterial and departmental inquiry, they claim the investigations are merely a facade to shield those allegedly responsible for the young mother's death.

Growing Pressure on Authorities

During a rally, Bunty Siraji accused the government of neglecting repeated warnings about the declining healthcare services in Kullu.

In a statement on social media, he asserted that had the authorities heeded earlier protests, “another young mother would not have lost her life, leaving behind a newborn child.”

He challenged the inquiry officer and Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur to engage in a public discussion, stating that the hunger strike would cease if the inquiry proved no negligence occurred.

“We are ready to accept the findings if the investigation is conducted transparently and fairly. However, if there are lapses, accountability must follow,” he emphasized.

Siraji also mentioned that if they do not receive a fair investigation, they would escalate their efforts by approaching the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

Systemic Issues in Healthcare Highlighted

The protests have expanded beyond the tragic death of one individual, with demonstrators arguing that this incident highlights systemic flaws in the healthcare system of Himachal Pradesh.

They claim that the Regional Hospital in Kullu operates with only one gynecologist, putting pregnant women at significant risk and revealing chronic staff shortages in government facilities. Alongside accountability for those responsible, protesters are demanding the immediate hiring of specialists and a comprehensive enhancement of maternal healthcare services in the district.

Allegations of Intimidation Surface

The situation escalated when members of a women's delegation accused the district administration of intimidation following a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Anurag Chandra Sharma.

One protester, Kiran, alleged that they were informed that their demonstrations would not influence the investigation's outcome and were warned against any disruption of law and order. She also claimed that their mobile phones were confiscated during the meeting and videos recorded were deleted.

The district administration has yet to respond officially to these claims.

Political Reactions to the Protests

As protests intensified, Kullu Congress MLA Sunder Singh Thakur accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of politicizing the tragedy and inciting the protests.

While expressing solidarity with the grieving family, he noted that the medical staff involved had already been suspended prior to the inquiry report's release. He alleged that “external elements, bloggers, and politically motivated groups” were trying to exploit public sentiment and disrupt the peace in Kullu.

Thakur stressed the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold, stating that no one should be deemed guilty before the investigation concludes.

“I cannot declare a doctor guilty until the inquiry establishes responsibility,” he remarked, urging opposition members to address the issue in the Assembly rather than through protests.

In a heartfelt statement, the MLA also offered to take responsibility for the care of Manju Sharma’s newborn child.

Government Under Increasing Pressure

As the indefinite hunger strike continues into its second day and public participation grows, the Manju Sharma case has become one of the most politically sensitive challenges facing the Himachal Pradesh government in recent times.

While the state government insists that due process is being followed, the ongoing protests highlight rising public concerns regarding accountability, transparency, and the state of healthcare services in the region.

The next few days will be crucial in determining whether the administration can restore public trust through its inquiry or if the situation will escalate into a broader political challenge for the Sukhu government.