Civil Hospital in Jwalamukhi struggles amid lack of facilities

The Civil Hospital in Jwalamukhi, Kangra district, officially a 100-bed facility, remains in a dire state. In 2017, the newly constructed hospital building was hastily converted into the SDM office, forcing the hospital to operate from an inadequate guest house. This facility, unfit for medical services, caters to a dense population from nearby villages and thousands of pilgrims visiting the Jwalaji temple.

Currently, the hospital lacks essential infrastructure, including a functional operation theatre (OT) and ultrasound services. Despite the presence of a surgeon, gynecologist, ENT specialist, and anesthetist, no surgeries have been performed in over seven years due to the OT’s non-functionality.

Dr Rajesh Guleri, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Kangra, expressed concern, stating, “We are sending equipment through CSR and prioritising the OT’s revival.”

The hospital sees an OPD of 300-350 patients daily, with 15 medical officers maintaining a 1:50 doctor-patient ratio. While nursing staff and laboratory technician positions are filled, the hospital functions mainly as a referral centre due to its lack of surgical services.

A new building for the hospital is currently under construction and expected to be completed within 2-3 months. The CMO assured that the Health Department is coordinating with the Public Works Department (PWD) to expedite the process and improve healthcare services in the region.