Absence of 108 Service at Junga Hospital Leaves Patients Dependent on Private Transport
Junga Civil Hospital, catering to residents of 12 panchayats in the tehsil, continues to function without the 108 National Ambulance Service, forcing patients to depend on private or hired vehicles during medical emergencies. Local residents have urged the government to immediately deploy the ambulance service at the hospital.
The hospital handles more than 100 outpatients daily and admits over 100 patients every month. Despite this significant patient load, ambulance facilities remain unavailable. Additionally, around 15 posts, including Class-IV employees and sanitation workers, have remained vacant for a long time, affecting hospital services.
The hospital also lacks key healthcare infrastructure such as an operation theatre, ultrasound facility, and modern diagnostic laboratory. As a result, patients are compelled to travel to Shimla for tests and specialized medical services, with no private diagnostic laboratories available in the area.
District Council member Khush Vikram Sen said that none of the health institutions in Junga tehsil currently have the 108 ambulance service. He noted that an ambulance announced by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu for CHC Koti nearly two years ago is yet to become operational.
Dr. Kuldeep Tanwar, State President of the Kisan Sabha, highlighted the urgent need for a surgeon and an orthopedic specialist at the hospital. Due to the absence of specialist services and operation theatre facilities, fracture and other critical patients are routinely referred to Shimla. He pointed out that despite being nearly 50 years old, the hospital still lacks essential OT equipment, compelling authorities to seek anesthesiology support from Super Specialty Hospital, Chamiyana.
Dr. Tanwar further stated that while the hospital has a sanctioned capacity of 50 beds, only 25 are currently functional. He demanded the expansion of the hospital building, filling of vacant posts, appointment of specialist doctors, and provision of modern healthcare facilities.
With the population and healthcare needs of the region steadily increasing, residents have called on the government to introduce the 108 ambulance service, deploy specialist doctors, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure at Civil Hospital Junga.
