BJP protests poor healthcare services at Thural hospital

Hundreds of BJP workers, led by senior leader and Sulaha MLA Vipin Singh Parmar, staged a strong protest today against inadequate healthcare services and vacant medical posts at the Thural Civil Hospital in Kangra district.

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A large number of BJP workers gathered in Thural this afternoon and marched through the bazaar, shouting anti-government slogans. The protest culminated in a rally within the hospital premises, where Parmar criticized the Sukhu-led government for its “anti-people policies.”

He accused the government of scrapping key health welfare schemes like HIM CARE and SAHARA, which were launched by the previous BJP government to benefit the poor. Parmar demanded the immediate restoration of these flagship schemes.

Highlighting the dire condition of Thural Hospital, Parmar stated that the 100-bedded facility, which serves the medical needs of the remote Changer areas of Palampur, is severely understaffed. Out of 14 sanctioned doctor posts, only four are currently filled, while 10 remain vacant.

Similarly, 14 nursing positions and 18 Class IV employee posts are unoccupied, forcing residents to travel to Palampur even for minor ailments. He lamented that despite multiple requests to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, no action had been taken to address these shortages.

Parmar further criticised the government for failing to complete the hospital’s new building, which has been under construction since 2018. Despite budget allocations, the Congress government has failed to make the facility operational. He revealed that the Public Works Department has now abandoned the incomplete building.

The lack of technical staff has also halted crucial diagnostic services such as X-rays and ultrasounds, compelling patients to rely on private nursing homes. Parmar expressed frustration over the negligence of the Dheera SDM, who serves as chairman of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS).

He pointed out that the SDM has not convened an RKS meeting for the past two years, severely affecting the hospital’s daily functioning. Despite repeated appeals to higher authorities, no action has been taken.

Parmar warned that if the government fails to address these issues promptly, the BJP will intensify its agitation to ensure better healthcare services for the people of the region.