Interim Relief Granted Amid Protests Over Proposed Transfer of Women’s Healthcare Services
In a major relief for protesters and women’s rights groups, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday stayed the proposed shifting of the Gynaecology OPD from Kamla Nehru Hospital to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the move.
The interim order was passed by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chandra Negi on a petition filed by Falma Chauhan, secretary of the All India Democratic Women’s Association.
Court Seeks Response From State Government
The High Court also issued notices to the Himachal Pradesh Government and directed the Health Department to submit a detailed response explaining the rationale behind shifting the OPD and the likely impact on patients.
The state government had recently proposed transferring the Obstetrics and Gynaecology OPD along with some related services from the century-old Kamla Nehru Hospital to IGMC, citing the availability of advanced medical facilities at the medical college hospital.
However, the decision sparked widespread protests from residents, women’s organisations, and opposition parties, who alleged that the move would weaken one of the state’s most important women and child healthcare institutions.
Petitioners Raise Concerns Over Infrastructure and Patient Safety
During the hearing, counsel representing the petitioners argued that the proposed shifting would create severe inconvenience for patients, especially women travelling from remote areas of Himachal Pradesh.
Advocate Naresh Tomar, appearing for the petitioners, reportedly told the court that even the government-appointed committee had acknowledged the lack of adequate infrastructure and space at IGMC to accommodate the department.
According to the petitioners, shifting the OPD could lead to overcrowding and increase infection risks for women and children at the already congested medical college hospital.
Historic Hospital at Centre of Controversy
Established in 1923 as Lady Reading Hospital, Kamla Nehru Hospital has served as a dedicated healthcare institution for women and children for more than a century.
Petitioners argued that instead of shifting services elsewhere, the government should modernise and expand facilities within the existing hospital premises. They claimed the hospital has sufficient space for infrastructural development, including advanced healthcare technologies and specialised maternal care services.
Protesters Welcome High Court Intervention
Reacting to the High Court’s interim stay order, AIDWA secretary Falma Chauhan described the decision as a victory for women and patients who had been protesting against the move for the past month.
She stated that the government should now completely withdraw the shifting proposal and instead focus on strengthening facilities at Kamla Nehru Hospital, including the introduction of robotic surgery and expanded mother-and-child healthcare infrastructure.
BJP Targets Congress Government Over Decision
The Bharatiya Janata Party also criticised the Himachal Pradesh Government following the High Court’s intervention.
BJP Media Convener Karan Nanda termed the court’s observations a setback for the Congress-led state government and alleged that the decision had been taken without considering public sentiment or the pressure it could place on IGMC’s already burdened infrastructure.
The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after the state government submits its response before the High Court.
