Ensure Doctors, Medicines and Staff Before Promoting Robotic Surgery in Himachal, Says BJP MLA Rakesh Jamwal.

Shimla:

BJP MLA from Sundernagar and party chief spokesperson Rakesh Jamwal on Tuesday criticised the Himachal Pradesh government over the state’s healthcare infrastructure, saying hospitals must first ensure medicines, doctors, specialists and basic facilities before promoting advanced technologies such as robotic surgery.

Participating in a discussion on the Health Department in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Jamwal highlighted the shortage of specialist doctors and staff at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College, Nerchowk. He said the institution caters to patients from Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and surrounding areas and urged the government to fill vacancies, particularly in radiology and other key departments.

Referring to a bladder stone case, Jamwal said a family was reportedly quoted around Rs 30,000 for treatment but later opted for conventional surgery costing about Rs 5,000. He said modern technology has its place, but affordable and accessible treatment remains essential for poor and middle-class families.

Jamwal also raised concerns over an oxygen plant costing around Rs 1.5 crore, which he claimed has remained non-functional after two outsourced workers were removed. He questioned why the government was purchasing oxygen cylinders when an existing production facility was available and demanded its immediate revival.

He further urged the government to resolve payment-related issues affecting a dialysis centre operating under the public-private partnership model, warning that disruptions could seriously affect patients dependent on regular dialysis.

The MLA also raised the issue of outsourced workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic, including nurses, sanitation workers and drivers, and sought sympathetic consideration of their future.

Jamwal demanded the reopening of closed primary health centres at Pandli and Pauda Kothi, saying residents in remote areas were forced to travel 50-55 kilometres even for basic treatment. He also sought completion of stalled healthcare infrastructure and adequate deployment of doctors and paramedical staff.

“Robotic surgery is welcome, but Himachal’s poor first need medicines, doctors, oxygen, dialysis and nearby primary health centres,” Jamwal said, stressing that healthcare policy should prioritise ordinary citizens over a VIP-centric model.