SHIMLA, HIMACHAL PRADESH — Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday defended the state government’s decision regarding the proposed shifting of the gynaecology ward from Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), while also launching a political attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over issues related to women’s reservation.
Addressing concerns in Shimla, Sukhu said that the decision to shift the gynaecology ward from Kamla Nehru Hospital to IGMC is aimed at ensuring better healthcare services for women. He emphasised that IGMC offers more advanced infrastructure, which would allow patients to benefit from improved treatment facilities.
The Chief Minister stated that the move would enable women to access modern medical technology, including advanced equipment and even robotic-assisted procedures, which are not currently available at KNH. He pointed out that certain diagnostic facilities, such as ultrasound services at KNH, are not fully adequate, and the government is simultaneously working to upgrade them.
Sukhu argued that the primary objective behind the decision is to enhance the quality of healthcare and ensure better outcomes for patients, particularly women who require specialised medical attention. He said that decisions in the healthcare sector must be guided by patient welfare and long-term improvements rather than short-term considerations.
Responding to protests against the proposed shift, the Chief Minister said that opposition to the decision is not justified, as it is based on improving medical services and infrastructure. He added that the government is open to dialogue but maintained that the decision is in the best interest of patients.
In a separate remark, Sukhu criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of inconsistency in its political stance. He used a metaphor, saying that the BJP has become like an “elephant’s tusk,” implying a difference between what it projects publicly and what it does in practice.
He referred to the Women’s Reservation Bill, stating that it has already been passed and that the Indian National Congress extended full support to it in 2023. Sukhu questioned the basis of protests and demonstrations around the issue, suggesting that they lack substantive justification.
According to him, political debates should be grounded in facts and constructive engagement rather than symbolic protests. He argued that once a legislative measure has been passed with broad support, the focus should shift to its effective implementation.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid ongoing political exchanges in Himachal Pradesh, where issues related to healthcare infrastructure and women’s representation have become part of broader political discourse.
Observers note that the decision to shift hospital facilities often generates public debate, as it involves concerns about accessibility, infrastructure, and service delivery. The government’s emphasis on advanced facilities at IGMC reflects a push towards modernising healthcare services in the state.
At the same time, Sukhu’s criticism of the BJP highlights the continuing political rivalry between the two major parties, with both sides seeking to assert their positions on key issues.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government remains committed to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring quality medical services for all citizens. He also stressed that women’s health remains a priority, and decisions are being taken with a long-term vision.
He concluded by stating that the government will continue to focus on development, transparency, and public welfare, while addressing concerns raised by citizens through appropriate channels.
The statements reflect both policy decisions in the healthcare sector and ongoing political debates in Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the intersection of governance and political discourse in the state.
