Are Health Services in Sirmaur Deteriorating, Asserts Himachal BJP Chief?
Synopsis
On February 18, Himachal Pradesh BJP President Rajeev Bindal raised alarms about the crumbling health services in Sirmaur, citing increased costs for diagnostic tests, medication shortages, and reduced medical staff. With the closure of health centers and ineffective schemes, Bindal's remarks underscore a pressing issue for the local community.
Key Takeaways
Health services are declining in Sirmaur due to increased costs and shortages.
Several health centers have been closed, limiting access.
Funding for Nahan Medical College has stalled.
BJP has formally protested against the state government's handling of healthcare.
Concerns over mismanagement of funds have been raised.
Shimla, Feb 18 (NationPress) The President of Himachal Pradesh BJP, Rajeev Bindal, expressed deep concern on Wednesday over the deteriorating state of health services in Sirmaur, stating that the situation is alarming. He highlighted that diagnostic tests have become costly, registration slips incur fees, there is a shortage of medicines, and the number of doctors has significantly decreased.
Bindal pointed out that three Primary Health Centres and one Community Health Centre have been shut down, rendering the Himcare scheme ineffective. He also mentioned that Ayushman cards are not being processed.
According to him, this dire situation is a grave injustice to the residents of Sirmaur district and the Nahan constituency.
He referred to a report from the Governor, which indicates that medical institutions in Chamba, Hamirpur, and Tanda, along with the Chamiyana Super Speciality Hospital and IGMCH in Shimla, have received financial support. In stark contrast, Nahan medical college has received zero assistance.
Former Health Minister Bindal lamented that the construction of the Nahan Medical College has been halted for over three years. He noted that the entire funding for this project was allocated by the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yet no clear records of fund utilization have been maintained.
He raised critical questions: “Why hasn’t the 11-storey building and proposed 500-bed hospital started operations? Why is the 50-bed Mother and Child Hospital project still pending after three years? Where has the funding for the nursing college disappeared?”
Bindal accused Congress leaders of attempting to shift the blame onto the Central government while using inappropriate language, which the BJP vehemently condemned.
He stated, “Despite having received nearly Rs 27,000 crore in Revenue Deficit Grants and additional funds from various sources over the past three and a half years, institutions are closing, progress has stalled, and citizens are suffering. Where is the money going?”
Bindal emphasized that the BJP delegation formally protested on this issue and left the all-party meeting convened before the Budget session.
The BJP state President asserted that in the last 40 months, the Centre has provided unmatched support to Himachal Pradesh across all development sectors. However, due to purported financial mismanagement and administrative failures by the state government, the region has faced significant setbacks.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the challenges facing health services in Sirmaur as outlined by Rajeev Bindal. His concerns reflect a broader issue of healthcare management within the region. The community's well-being is paramount, and a thorough examination of the allegations and proposed solutions is necessary to ensure accountability and improvement in health services.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific issues did Rajeev Bindal mention regarding health services in Sirmaur?
Rajeev Bindal highlighted that diagnostic tests have become expensive, registration slips now incur charges, there is a shortage of medicines, and the doctor count has declined.
What impact have the closures of health centers had?
The closure of three Primary Health Centres and one Community Health Centre has rendered health services less accessible, affecting the local population's healthcare.
What has been the response of the BJP regarding this situation?
The BJP has expressed strong concerns, stating that the situation represents grave injustice, and has formally protested in response to the deteriorating health services.
How has the funding for Nahan Medical College been managed?
Bindal stated that despite funding from the Central government, there has been no clear account of fund utilization, and the project's construction has stalled for over three years.
What actions did the BJP take in response to these issues?
The BJP delegation protested during an all-party meeting ahead of the Budget session, highlighting the alleged financial mismanagement by the state government.
