Shimla
Jairam Thakur, former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and Leader of the Opposition, on Saturday criticized the state government after reports that 19 out of 90 nursing students at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Nursing Institute and Hospital in Rampur–Khaneri were found infected with tuberculosis (TB).
In a statement issued from Shimla, Thakur termed the situation “extremely unfortunate” and alleged that nearly 20% of the nursing students in a single campus contracting TB reflects a serious lapse on the part of the state government.
He said the issue came to light through a letter written by parents of the affected students to the medical superintendent of the institute. According to him, the incident exposes the failure of the state administration and undermines the nationwide efforts of the Government of India to eliminate tuberculosis.
Thakur said the country is fighting a decisive battle against TB, with the Centre providing states with medicines from global pharmaceutical companies, financial support, and other resources to break the chain of infection. “Despite such extensive support from the Centre, the infection among nursing trainees in a medical institution raises serious questions about the functioning of the state government,” he said.
The Leader of the Opposition also expressed concern over reports that some students are being treated for Multidrug‑Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB), indicating that proper treatment may not have been provided when the infection was first detected.
He further claimed that parents alleged the students were even advised to undergo traditional faith-based practices instead of receiving proper medical care. Thakur criticized the government, saying that while the Chief Minister claims to provide world-class healthcare facilities, such reports from a nursing training institute are alarming.
He also pointed to complaints raised by students’ families regarding deficiencies in hostel mess facilities, alleging that despite collecting fees, the institution has failed to provide nutritious and quality food.
Thakur demanded that the Chief Minister order a high-level inquiry into the matter, take strict action on the complaints raised by the students and their families, and ensure that infected students receive the best possible medical treatment while measures are taken to prevent further spread of the disease.
