BJP apprises Himachal Guv over move to shift century-old Kamla Nehru Hospital

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation on Monday met the Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta at Raj Bhavan here and submitted a memorandum opposing two key decisions of the state government, terming them "anti-people and impractical".

Raising concerns over the proposed shifting of gynaecology department from the century-old Kamla Nehru Hospital to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH), the BJP leaders said the move could adversely impact maternal and neonatal healthcare services in the state.

They added that the Kamla Nehru Hospital has served as a critical healthcare institution for women and newborns for nearly a century.

The BJP said that the process is being carried out through a "silent shifting" mechanism without any formal notification or adequate planning.

"The IGMCH is already operating beyond its capacity. Forcing a 300-bed specialised facility into an overburdened institution will compromise healthcare delivery and patient safety," the delegation said.

The memorandum also highlighted that more than Rs 20 crore of public funds had been invested in upgrading the Kamla Nehru Hospital, which now risks being rendered ineffective.

The BJP also raised concerns regarding the possible alternative use of the hospital land and demanded a transparent inquiry into the matter.

In addition, the delegation objected to the steep increase in pass fees for restricted and regulated roads in Shimla city.

According to the BJP, the proposed revision increased the processing fee from Rs 100 to Rs 500 and the pass fee from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000, placing a significant financial burden on residents, traders and employees.

The party termed the move "arbitrary and revenue-driven", saying such measures would create unnecessary hardship and public resentment.

It also criticised the inclusion of stringent penal provisions, including heavy fines and possible imprisonment, calling them disproportionate and contrary to democratic norms.

The BJP urged the Governor to take cognisance of both issues and direct the state government to maintain the existing services at Kamla Nehru Hospital and roll back the proposed hike in pass fees.

The delegation, comprised party's state General Secretary Sanjeev Katwal, media convenor Karan Nanda and treasurer Kamal Sood, concluded by saying the BJP would intensify its agitation against what it described as 'anti-people' decisions of the state government.