Kullu sees medical revamp: Specialist doctors appointed to 3 key hospitals

The government has deputed 12 specialist doctors to strengthen healthcare services at Anni and Banjar Civil Hospitals (CH), as well as Kullu Regional Hospital (RH). A formal notification has confirmed their appointments, and the specialists are expected to join their respective posts soon.

Anni CH will receive six medical officers, including specialists, while Banjar CH will get four, and Kullu RH will have two. This move is expected to bring much-needed relief to residents of these areas, who have long struggled with limited access to advanced healthcare.

In a significant development, the government has, for the first time, appointed a forensic medicine specialist to Kullu RH. This addition will enable forensic investigations to be conducted locally, eliminating the need for cases to be referred outside the district.

The shortage of specialist doctors had previously forced patients, especially from Banjar and Sainj Valleys and areas like Balichowki and Gadagushaini in Seraj Valley, to seek treatment at Regional Hospital Kullu or IGMC Shimla. Banjar CH, despite having six sanctioned posts for doctors, was unable to meet local healthcare needs.

The newly deputed doctors for Anni CH include Surgeon Dr. Naveen Thakur, Anesthetist Prashant Datwalia, Medicine Specialist Dr. Avinash Chauhan, Anesthesia MO Atish Deepankar, Pediatrician Dr. Amit Kumar, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology MO Dr. Akshi Negi.

Banjar CH will be served by Anesthesia Specialist MO Dr. Priyanka Thakur, Orthopedic Specialist Dr. Sunil Kumar, Pediatrician Dr. Naveen Kumar, and Medicine Specialist Dr. Radhika Sharma.

Kullu RH will receive Community Medicine MO Dr. Ghanshyam Singh and Forensic Medicine MO Dr. Rahul Narula.

Banjar CH is currently being upgraded to a 100-bed hospital. However, MLA Surender Shourie criticised the denotification of posts approved by the previous BJP government and urged for full staffing at the hospital.

Locals have welcomed the arrival of specialists but called for improved infrastructure, regular diagnostics facilities, and the establishment of a medical college near Manali to better serve both residents and tourists.