Balh MLA Advocates for Medical Infrastructure Improvements in Himachal Pradesh

Inder Singh Gandhi, the MLA for Balh, has raised significant concerns regarding the urgent need for improvements at the Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital located in Nerchowk. He approached Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda in New Delhi, advocating for federal support to transform this institution into a leading super-speciality healthcare and medical education center for the state of Himachal Pradesh. During the meeting, Gandhi presented a memorandum requesting the establishment of a super-speciality block at Nerchowk, the construction of a paramedical institute, and expedited progress on the proposed medical university. He also highlighted current inadequacies in medicines, medical equipment, and patient care facilities.

Gandhi pointed out that approximately ₹12 crore allocated for the paramedical institute remains unutilized, despite the availability of nearly 10 bighas of land adjacent to the medical college. He urged the relevant authorities to release these funds and initiate construction without delay. According to Gandhi, the institute would enhance educational prospects for the youth of Himachal and help mitigate the shortage of trained paramedical staff within the state's healthcare framework. He also expressed frustration over the slow progress in establishing a medical university, despite the availability of around 200 bighas at Mudapar and 78 bighas of flat land at Kansa Chowk.

Gandhi alleged that patients at Nerchowk Medical College continue to struggle with access to fundamental services, including necessary medications and diagnostic tools. Frequently malfunctioning equipment forces patients to seek alternatives, complicating treatment for serious conditions. He noted that Nerchowk serves not just Balh or Mandi, but is a vital healthcare resource for patients from Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and beyond.

Gandhi urged the government to promptly utilize the available funds and land for healthcare and medical education initiatives instead of allowing them to stagnate.