From queues to care: Karsog hospital’s quiet revolution

The Karsog Civil Hospital in Mandi district is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a series of well-planned and practical reforms by the state government. In recent months, the facility has emerged as an example of how even small administrative and infrastructural changes can lead to major improvements in public healthcare delivery — without needing massive investments or top-down glorification.

A government spokesperson said the Karsog Civil Hospital has quietly implemented numerous practical changes that were now showing tangible results. Patients and their attendants report a more organised, accessible and transparent system of care compared to previous years.

“One of the most notable upgrades is the installation of a new digital X-ray machine, ensuring quicker diagnosis and reducing the dependency on private labs or distant urban centers. Work is also underway to install a CT scan machine — a critical facility for this region where access to advanced diagnostics has always been a challenge,” he added.

“In addition to upgraded equipment, specialist doctors, including gynaecologists, orthopaedic surgeons, paediatricians, dental experts and general surgeons have been appointed to improve treatment availability. The pending appointment of a radiologist is expected to further enhance the hospital’s diagnostic capacity,” he remarked.

“These upgrades have significantly reduced the need for patients to travel to bigger cities like Shimla or Mandi for routine or even emergency care,” he asserted.

“The hospital has introduced a token system in the OPD, replacing the earlier chaos of long queues and overcrowded waiting areas. This not only ensures fairness in patient consultation but also makes the entire process more efficient. A separate emergency registration counter has also been set up to ensure immediate attention for critical patients — a key step toward timely intervention,” he said.

“In a move to foster transparency and community engagement, the hospital now issues a daily health bulletin every evening. It includes details of outpatient and inpatient statistics, emergency cases handled, surgeries performed, and field activities conducted. Importantly, it also outlines the next day’s planned health activities, allowing the public to prepare and participate,” he added.

“This initiative is helping bridge the communication gap between the health system and local communities, making public healthcare more accessible and accountable,” he added.

“The hospital administration is also investing in awareness campaigns on tuberculosis, HIV, seasonal diseases and other public health concerns. These are conducted regularly in nearby villages and are part of a preventive strategy to reduce disease burden,” he said.

“Additionally, in a step rarely seen in government hospitals, regular health check-ups are being conducted for hospital staff and officials — ensuring that those responsible for providing healthcare remain healthy themselves” he added.

Block Medical Officer Dr Gopal Chauhan stated that, these changes are not cosmetic but structural. “We have focused on patient experience, transparency and staff accountability. The impact is clear — our systems are more responsive and patients are more satisfied,” he said.

Karsog’s transformation stands as a reminder that meaningful change in public services does not always require sweeping policy announcements — consistent, local-level action can make all the difference.