Delays, vacancies plague 100-bed civil hospital project in Nilokheri

The much-anticipated project for a 100-bed Sub-Divisional Civil Hospital in Nilokheri remains stalled, leaving the region grappling with inadequate healthcare facilities. Currently, a 30-bed hospital operates from the Community Health Centre (CHC) building, which fails to meet the growing needs of the area.

Health officials report that the overcrowded facility forces two to four doctors to attend OPDs in a single room, compromising patient privacy. “Post-operative patients lack separate rooms, increasing the risk of nosocomial infections,” an official said.

The project, announced by former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on September 13, 2017, and approved on June 10, 2019, saw construction halted after the assigned agency abandoned work midway. Although 70% of the project is complete, no progress has been made for months.

Authorities plan to re-tender the project. “We have sent a proposal for terminating the current tender and are evaluating the remaining work. Once terminated, the re-tendering process will begin,” said Rishi Sachdeva, XEN, PWD (B&R).

Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh confirmed these steps, stating, “The XEN has been directed to ensure efficient re-tendering and maintain quality in the remaining work.”

Residents are frustrated with the delays and staff shortages at the hospital. “The current staff strength is far below the sanctioned number, forcing patients to seek treatment at higher centres,” said Amit Kumar, a local resident.

According to data, of the 152 sanctioned posts for doctors, paramedical staff, clerical workers and others, only 72 are filled, leaving 80 posts vacant. Both sanctioned Deputy Medical Superintendent positions remain unfilled. Of 42 sanctioned medical posts, only 13 are occupied.

Critical positions such as senior dental surgeon, one of two dental surgeons, clinical psychologist, physiotherapist, audiometrician and matron are vacant. Only two of five nursing sister posts are filled, while three remain vacant. The hospital also lacks six of 10 lab technicians, three staff nurses and one of three ECG technicians, preventing round-the-clock emergency lab services.

Dr Ravinder Sandhu, Deputy Civil Surgeon, said, “We are in regular contact with PWD officials regarding the project. The vacant posts of doctors are likely to be filled soon.”

The delays and vacancies continue to impede healthcare access for Nilokheri’s residents, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.