Himachal High Court Halts Plan to Shift Kamla Nehru Hospital, Seeks Govt Explanation
In a significant development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has put an interim halt on the state government’s proposal to shift Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) to the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) campus while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
The case was taken up on Tuesday by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chandra Negi. Along with staying the hospital’s shifting, the court also paused the related proposal concerning the Dental College and sought a detailed response from the state government.
During the hearing, petitioners’ counsel highlighted the historic importance of the 102-year-old Kamla Nehru Hospital, especially for women and children across Himachal Pradesh. They argued that relocating the hospital could lead to serious inconvenience for patients, particularly those travelling from remote and rural areas, and may also undermine the institution’s long-standing identity.
Taking note of these concerns, the High Court directed the Health Department to clearly explain the rationale behind the proposed move. The court also asked the government to outline how the shifting would benefit patients or, if not carefully planned, potentially cause difficulties.
The state government had recently proposed shifting certain services, including the Gynaecology OPD, to the IGMC campus, stating that IGMC offers better infrastructure and advanced medical facilities. However, the proposal sparked widespread concern and opposition, particularly in Shimla and nearby regions.
Following the court’s intervention, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) termed the stay order as a victory for the people. BJP Media Convener Karan Nanda criticized the government, saying the decision appeared to have been taken in haste without fully understanding public sentiment or assessing its impact on healthcare services.
He emphasized that Kamla Nehru Hospital is more than just a building—it is a key healthcare institution for women, and any disruption to its functioning could pose challenges for pregnant women, patients and families traveling long distances for treatment.
With the court now seeking clarity, the future of the proposed shift will depend on the state government’s response and how it addresses concerns related to accessibility, infrastructure and patient care.
