Chadhiar Civil Hospital in crisis

The Chadhiar Civil Hospital, located 40 km from here, serves over 50,000 people but is currently reeling under a severe healthcare crisis due to staff shortage and outdated facilities. More than 60% of the medical and paramedical posts are lying vacant, including critical positions of sanitary workers. As a result, unhygienic conditions prevail, with wards and bathrooms reeking and barely usable.

The hospital mess, shut down six years ago, remains non-functional due to the unavailability of kitchen staff. Medical services are severely hampered—its only ultrasound machine has been idle for five years due to the absence of a technician, and the X-ray plant is obsolete. Regular meetings of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti, responsible for hospital oversight, have not taken place for over a year.

Of the 10 sanctioned posts for nursing staff, only two are filled. In the past year, not a single surgical operation has been conducted. Patients, even with minor ailments, are being forced to travel to Baijnath, Tanda Medical College, Palampur, or even Punjab for basic treatment. The absence of a gynecologist has led to expectant mothers being referred to distant facilities.

Emergency care is virtually non-existent. Though more than 200 patients visit the hospital daily, serious and accident cases are routinely referred elsewhere, including out of state.

Despite repeated demands from Chadhiar residents to fill vacant posts of doctors, nurses, and technicians, no substantial action has been taken. A senior Health Department official claims that efforts are underway to fill the vacancies and improve staffing, but residents remain unconvinced as the situation continues to deteriorate.