Despite being upgraded, Mandi's Balichowki health centre lacks facilities, rue locals

Residents of the Balichowki area in Mandi district have raised serious concerns over the inadequate healthcare facilities at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Balichowki that they claim has been operating below its capacity despite being upgraded four years ago.

Kehar Singh, a local, expressed his frustration, saying, “This hospital was upgraded from a Primary Health Centre (PHC) to a CHC, but the healthcare services here are still inadequate. Despite being upgraded, the centre has remained largely unused, with the building being locked for the past four years.”

According to Mahender Rana, the secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Balichowki’s PHC was upgraded to CHC status four years ago, complete with an inauguration ceremony, but the CHC still lacks essential infrastructure and medical staff. There are only two doctors and a dental post available — these are the same positions as before the upgrade.

“The situation has further exacerbated by a significant shortage of healthcare staff, including vacant positions for a pharmacist, sweeper and staff nurse. As a result, locals are unable to access essential medical services, and the healthcare centre is not meeting the growing needs of the community,” he added.

“The CHC was supposed to be a major healthcare resource for this area, but it is not functioning as it should,” said Rana. He demanded that the state government should take immediate action to resolve the issue by appointing at least three specialist doctors and making the centre operational 24*7 to better serve the local population.

In a bid to raise awareness and press for these demands, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called for a rally in Balichowki on November 14, aiming to unite the local residents and draw attention to the urgent need for improved healthcare facilities.