Health Staff Step Up Protest Against Shifting of Gynaecology OPD from Kamla Nehru Hospital
Opposition to the decision to shift the gynaecology OPD from Kamla Nehru Hospital to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) intensified on Wednesday, with doctors, nurses, paramedical personnel, and outsourced staff staging a protest on the hospital premises. As a mark of dissent, staff members wore black ribbons while continuing to perform their duties.
Raising concerns over the bifurcation of the obstetrics and gynaecology department, hospital employees demanded an immediate rollback of the order. “We will continue to work while wearing black ribbons to protest the division of the department and the shifting of the OPD to IGMC,” said an employee leader at Kamla Nehru Hospital. He stressed that the move would negatively impact both patient care and hospital functioning.
The state government has defended the decision, stating that patients would benefit from better facilities at IGMC. Chief Minister Sukhu has pointed out that advanced medical infrastructure, including robotic surgery, is available at IGMC and would help improve treatment outcomes.
However, these assurances have failed to win over the medical fraternity. Doctors have strongly argued that obstetrics and gynaecology function best as a single, cohesive unit. “Housing both specialties under one roof improves coordination, efficiency, and quality of care. It is beneficial for patients, doctors, students, and support staff,” a senior doctor remarked.
Adding to the growing resistance, the All India Democratic Women Association has announced a protest outside IGMC on Thursday, demanding that the government reconsider and withdraw the decision.
Doctors also suggested an alternative approach, stating that patients who specifically require robotic surgery could be referred to IGMC, rather than shifting the entire OPD. They urged the Chief Minister to reconsider the move and instead strengthen Kamla Nehru Hospital, which has been providing dedicated women’s healthcare services for decades. Suggestions included expanding facilities such as setting up an IVF centre to further enhance patient care.
Nursing staff voiced additional concerns, particularly regarding diagnostic services. They noted that Kamla Nehru Hospital’s diagnostics are exclusively focused on obstetrics and gynaecology patients, ensuring quicker reports. In contrast, IGMC already handles a massive patient load, which could lead to delays.
“It is still unclear how many patients will opt for robotic procedures, as they are costly, while most routine treatments here are provided free of cost,” a nurse pointed out.
As protests continue to build momentum, the issue remains a major point of contention between healthcare workers and the state government, with patients’ convenience and quality of care at the heart of the debate.
