Boost to healthcare: Two doctors posted at Kaza Civil Hospital

In a major boost to healthcare in remote tribal regions, the state government has approved the appointment of specialist doctors at the Civil Hospital at in the Spiti valley of Lahaul and Spiti district, a decision hailed as historic by local population.

For the first time since Independence, residents of the high-altitude Spiti region will be able to avail of the services of specialist doctors. They will no longer have to travel over 250 km to the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and Hospital, Shimla, for medical treatment.

Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana had persistently raised the issue with the state government, which ordered the posting of two specialist doctors in Kaza, a surgeon, and an anaesthesia expert. This development marks the beginning of specialist medical services in Spiti, an area that has long remained on the periphery of modern healthcare.

Anuradha said, “This has been the result of continuous struggle and persistent efforts. We are also pushing for the appointment of a gynaecologist.”

Local leaders and residents have expressed gratitude to the government for the appointment of specialist doctors, which will go a long way in ensuring healthcare in tribal areas. Community representative Kesang Rapchick and others thanked Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil and the MLA for taking this important initiative. “This is not just a medical decision, it’s a recognition of our rights and our dignity,” said Tenzin, a local resident.

With harsh winters often cutting off the region from the rest of the state, the local availability of expert medical care is expected to save serve people and provide timely treatment, especially during emergencies.

The appointment is seen as a critical step in bridging the rural-urban healthcare divide. Tenzin Norbu, Block Medical Officer, Civil Hospital, Kaza, said, “Both doctors are expected to join within the next few days. The appointment of both the doctors will improve healthcare services at the Kaza hospital benefiting residents of the remote Spiti valley.”