Himachal HC directs Chief Secy to hold meeting with stakeholders on utility, functioning of AIMSS Hospital

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], November 5 (ANI): The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Monday directed the Chief Secretary to convene a meeting with all relevant stakeholders of the Atal Institute of Medical Super-Specialties (AIMSS) in Chamiana, Shimla on the functionality and utility of the super specialty hospital.
This order follows public interest litigation highlighting major deficiencies in the hospital's infrastructure and facilities.
The division bench, comprising acting Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya, underscored the need for a collaborative approach to ensure the hospital's effective functioning, rather than leaving such decisions to a single person or small group.
The court emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders, including key figures such as the Medical Superintendent and Principal of IGMC Shimla, representatives from the doctors' association, paramedical staff, and various government officials including the Director General of Police and Secretary (Health).
The court's order reads, "We are of the considered view that the question of utility and functioning of the hospital at Chamiana, District Shimla, HP cannot be left to the wisdom and discretion of a single individual or a group of individuals, and all the stakeholders are required to be associated in deciding as to how best the hospital at Chamiana can be utilized."
Further, the court directed the Chief Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Government to arrange a meeting with the Medical Superintendent, IGMC Shimla; Principal, IGMC Shimla; Heads of all Departments and Super Specialties; Representatives of the Doctors' Association, paramedical staff, and security; the Director General of Police; the Managing Director of HRTC; Secretary and Engineer-in-Chief (PWD); and Secretary (Health), among others.
Previously, a bench comprising then Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Satyen Vaidya had directed the Health Secretary and other officials to submit a status report on OPD services across various departments at AIMSS Chamiana. The matter was initially listed for October 31, with further orders from the court now issued.
Earlier this year, the government announced the commencement of outpatient department (OPD) services in select specialities at AIMSS Chamiana. However, the court's recent observations have raised concerns about the hospital's overall readiness.
According to a status report submitted by the Secretary (Health), only select OPD services in super-speciality fields like Cardiology, Gastroenterology, and Neurology are currently operational, while emergency and inpatient services remain at IGMC Shimla.
Critical issues highlighted include the lack of a canteen, limited transportation options for patients and staff, and incomplete road access to the hospital. Although vehicler services and an e-bus are available, dedicated transport for medical staff has yet to be adequately arranged.
Additionally, civil work on a safe road to AIMSS Chamiana is still incomplete due to ongoing construction by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The Superintending Engineer has assured the court that these works are expected to conclude by October 31, 2024, depending on funding availability.
The court also expressed concerns over public safety, especially during the ongoing rainy season, given the absence of retaining walls and secure infrastructure. Other issues raised by the intervener in the case include poor mobile connectivity, the lack of a police post at the hospital, and inadequate accommodation for medical staff, which has deterred senior residents from joining the facility.
In response, the court previously directed that OPD services should not commence at AIMSS Chamiana until safe road connectivity is ensured, emphasizing the need for a reliable route for emergency medical services.
The court's directive, following earlier orders for status updates from health and public works officials, demonstrates a continued commitment to ensuring that AIMSS Chamiana is fully prepared to serve the healthcare needs of Shimla and its surrounding regions in a safe and effective manner. (ANI)