Ailing hospital: NGO flags healthcare crisis in Nurpur

RB Jankalyan Foundation, a Nurpur-based NGO known for its contributions to rural infrastructure and social welfare since the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised alarm over the crumbling state of healthcare at the 200-bed government hospital in Nurpur. In a strongly worded statement, Foundation Director Akil Bakshi expressed deep concern over the hospital’s declining standards due to administrative apathy and governmental neglect.

Once recognised for its specialised healthcare services, the hospital is now reeling under mismanagement, particularly with the Health Department’s pattern of appointing Medical Superintendents (MS) just months before their retirement. “An official nearing retirement usually lacks motivation to improve the hospital’s functioning, and it’s the public that suffers,” Bakshi stated. He highlighted that even the cashless HIMCARE scheme is not being honoured at the hospital — merely the “tip of the iceberg”, according to him.

A major point of concern is the Rs 2.15 crore Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen generation plant, installed in January 2022 under the PM CARES Fund, which has remained nonfunctional for nearly two years. Bakshi blamed both hospital administrators and the state health department for allowing such vital infrastructure to go to waste.

He further criticised the non-implementation of Health Department orders. Despite official postings of a paediatrician and radiologist on April 10, neither specialist has joined duty, severely affecting maternity services. “Pregnant women are forced to depend on private ultrasound clinics. What is the use of such orders if they can’t be enforced?” he questioned.

The Foundation also highlighted the continued non-operation of the 50-bed Mother and Child Hospital that was inaugurated ahead of the last Assembly elections, calling it another example of tokenism in public health.

Turning his ire toward the local MLA, Bakshi accused him of abandoning his pre-election promise of establishing a medical college in Nurpur. “He has now become a mute spectator to the healthcare collapse,” Bakshi said.

Calling for urgent intervention, Bakshi, son of former MLA Ranjit Bakshi, appealed to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to upgrade healthcare services at the Nurpur hospital in line with the standards expected of a 200-bed facility.

Himachal Tribune