50-bedded Civil Hospital in Baddi delayed due to red tape

The construction of a new 50-bedded Civil Hospital in Baddi has been delayed for nearly two years due to poor coordination among various departments. While the hospital building was completed two years ago, essential infrastructure such as a lift, water and electricity connections, fire safety measures and an oxygen plant has yet to be set up. As a result, residents of this industrial belt continue to lack access to improved healthcare facilities.

Key works, including space allocation for an oxygen plant and a water tank for fire emergencies, remain unaccomplished. Even basic tasks like whitewashing the building are pending due to the absence of power connections. No formal application had been made for water or electricity connections, further stalling progress.

Baddi SDM Vivek Mahajan, who reviewed the situation in a meeting with officials, has now set deadlines to expedite the hospital’s completion. He acknowledged that the delay was due to a lack of coordination between various departments, including power, health, fire, and public works. To resolve this, he has instructed each department to complete their respective tasks within a stipulated timeframe.

Since the hospital requires a three-phase electricity connection, the Block Medical Officer (BMO) has been directed to submit an application for approval. Once the application is filed, the HP State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) will float tenders for installing a transformer and related infrastructure. The government must approve a budget of Rs 12 lakh for this, after which the work can proceed.

The lift installation has been assigned to the electrical wing of HPSEBL, with officials promising completion by March 10. Alongside, wiring and fire extinguisher fittings will also be installed. During their site visit, officials finalised locations for the transformer, oxygen plant and a 20x20 feet water tank for fire safety. The contractor has been instructed to complete the civil structure for the oxygen plant within the next 15 days.

Despite the urgent need for water supply, no one had applied for a water connection. Now, the BMO will submit a formal application to the Jal Shakti Department, which will issue a connection and provide an NOC for a water bore, a mandatory requirement for hospitals.

Additionally, the contractor, who is awaiting payment of Rs 12 lakh in pending dues, has requested funds to complete the remaining work. The Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department has been asked to prioritise this matter and ensure early completion.

For decades, Baddi has faced a shortage of government healthcare facilities, forcing thousands of industrial workers to rely on expensive private hospitals. The new civil hospital, once operational, is expected to provide much-needed relief by offering affordable medical services.

With fresh deadlines set and departmental coordination improving, efforts are now underway to ensure that the hospital is completed and made operational as soon as possible.