Patients from 12 panchayats forced to use private vehicles in emergencies; shortage of specialists and modern facilities adds to woes
Shimla | July 29: Residents of Junga tehsil have raised serious concerns over the continued absence of the 108 National Ambulance Service at Civil Hospital Junga, forcing patients to rely on private or hired vehicles during medical emergencies.
The hospital caters to nearly 12 panchayats and records an average of more than 100 OPD patients daily, while over 100 patients are admitted every month. Despite the growing patient load, the hospital has no 108 ambulance service, prompting repeated demands from local residents for its immediate deployment.
The hospital is also grappling with a shortage of staff, with around 15 posts, including Class IV employees and sanitation workers, lying vacant for a long time, affecting the delivery of healthcare services.
Adding to the challenges, the hospital lacks an operation theatre (OT), ultrasound facility and a modern laboratory. As a result, patients are compelled to travel to Shimla for diagnostic tests, as no private diagnostic laboratories are available in the area.
District Council member Khush Vikram Sen said that no health institution in Junga tehsil has been provided with the 108 ambulance service. He pointed out that the ambulance announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for CHC Koti nearly two years ago is yet to become operational.
Dr. Kuldeep Tanwar, State President of the Kisan Sabha, said the hospital urgently requires a surgeon and an orthopaedic specialist. He noted that patients suffering from fractures and other serious conditions are routinely referred to Shimla due to the absence of specialist services and OT facilities.
Dr. Tanwar added that although the nearly 50-year-old hospital has capable doctors, the lack of essential OT equipment prevents surgeries from being performed. Even the services of an anaesthesiologist are currently being sought from the Super Specialty Hospital, Chamiyana.
He further stated that while the hospital has a sanctioned capacity of 50 beds, only 25 beds are currently operational. He demanded expansion of the hospital building, filling of vacant posts, appointment of specialist doctors, and provision of modern medical facilities.
With the population and patient load steadily increasing, residents have urged the state government to immediately provide 108 ambulance services, strengthen specialist healthcare, and upgrade infrastructure at Civil Hospital Junga.
