Tanda Medical College struggles to handle rising rush of patients

Tanda Medical College, which was established as a state-of-the-art facility, has unfortunately failed to cope with the rising number of patients. Once considered the most prestigious healthcare institution in Kangra district, it now serves half of Himachal Pradesh and is in a state of complete chaos. Patients are left waiting in long queues, likely due to a shortage of slip counters. The wait is never-ending, even for those in urgent need of treatment.

People travelling from remote areas like Tissa and Pangi in Chamba have been seen waiting for hours to get a slip. Their attendants, too, are left in the dark, as there are no clear signboards, guides or a reception to assist those coming from villages in search of reliable medical care. Mukesh, from Chowari, who had brought his elderly father for a check-up, expressed his frustration, saying, “Precious time is being wasted just to complete the official enrolment to be eligible for treatment. Standing in line for over four to six hours waiting for a turn is like a punishment.”

After registration, more than half a day is consumed just to reach the OPD, followed by more wait for tests, and then, once again, more time is spent waiting in another queue. Due to this fear of long waits, many patients, who can afford, avoid going to Tanda college and opt for private hospitals instead. Sukrit Sagar, an office-bearer of the state BJP, who visited the hospital for his mother’s treatment, suspects something is amiss, as he believes these circumstances would drive opt for a private alternative.

Meanwhile, Milap Sharma, the Principal of the college, said he would look into the matter. He speculated that long queues might be due to a new method introduced at slip counters or due to a power cut. However, the most affected are the elderly, children, and women who are unable to walk. Patients travelling from distant places are particularly upset, as they endure long waits only to receive treatment after standing in endless queues. They also face significant delays, sometimes waiting months for an MRI or CT scan, which leaves them deeply disappointed.