Specialists without space: Hamirpur government hospital faces criticism

Despite the appointment of super-specialists in cardiology and nephrology at the Government Medical College, patients continue to struggle as the hospital has yet to provide these departments with dedicated facilities.

Two months ago, the CM had inaugurated the new departments and appointed Dr Anurag Thakur (Nephrology) and Dr Lucky Sharma (Cardiology) to strengthen healthcare services. However, both doctors are still without allotted rooms, forcing them to examine patients wherever space is available — often shifting from one room to another. This arrangement has caused inconvenience for both patients and doctors.

The college records an average OPD of over 1,500 patients daily, including more than 150 cardiology and nephrology patients each. Yet, patients are left wandering through the hospital corridors to locate their doctors. Sources said despite the availability of some vacant rooms, these specialists have not been granted access to use them.

Complaints from hospital staff prompted the government to order an inquiry, with the specialists recently asked to record their statements before a team led by the Director of Health Education and Research. Sharing his ordeal, Ashok Kumar, who brings his elderly relative for nephrology treatment, said: “Every visit we struggle to find Dr Anurag Thakur’s room as there is no fixed place for him. Earlier, we had to travel to AIIMS or PGI for such problems. Now at least treatment is available here, but locating the doctor remains a daily challenge.”

Meanwhile, both Dr Thakur and Dr Sharma continue attending patients wherever they find space, with the cooperation of their colleagues. Attempts to contact college principal Dr R Bharti by phone remained unanswered.