Hospital site row deepens, govt weighs rebuilding Civil Hospital

The controversy over the site for the proposed 200-bed hospital in Rewari took a fresh turn on Sunday after Health Minister Arti Singh Rao indicated that the existing Civil Hospital may be reconstructed and upgraded at its current location if the Public Works Department (PWD) approves the plan.

Aim to strengthen healthcare infra

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Our objective is solely to strengthen healthcare infrastructure further and ensure convenience for the public.

— Arti Singh Rao, health minister

Her remarks came amid an indefinite dharna by residents of Bhagwanpura-Ramgarh village, who insist the project should be shifted to their village, citing better accessibility and suitability.

Responding to media queries, the minister underlined the advantages of the current site. “The existing Civil Hospital is centrally located within the city and offers around 8.5 acres of land. It is difficult to find such a large and suitable place anywhere else,” she said.

However, she clarified that the government was not ruling out alternatives. “Our objective is solely to strengthen healthcare infrastructure further and ensure convenience for the public,” she added.

The existing Civil Hospital, located in a low-lying area, often faces waterlogging during the monsoon, causing inconvenience to patients and medical staff.

Meanwhile, the protest committee in Bhagwanpura-Ramgarh announced plans to intensify their agitation. “We have decided to form a 2-km-long human chain from the dharna site to Budani village on August 19 to intensify pressure on the state government for setting up the hospital in Bhagwanpura-Ramgarh,” said Rajender Singh, a committee member.

Earlier in the day, while addressing a gathering in Gangayacha Ahir village, the minister highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening health services in South Haryana. She also expressed gratitude to Rewari residents for their support in her electoral win.

“My father, Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, and I remain committed to public service. While my father is leading us in providing benefits of public welfare schemes at the Central level, I myself also focus on strengthening health services across the state. I am always here for you, in your joys and in your hardships,” she assured the people.

She further said the state government was taking concrete steps to upgrade healthcare facilities, including modernising civil hospitals and ensuring trained medical and paramedical staff are available.