Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar Medical College likely to shift to Kanshiwala

In a significant development, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar Medical College in Nahan may soon be relocated to Kanshiwala, 3 km from the city.

The government has initiated steps to finalise the shift, with the district administration identifying a 150-bigha plot near the national highway at Kanshiwala.

This land, currently under the possession of the municipal council, has been deemed suitable for the college’s relocation. According to sources, the proposal to shift the medical college has been submitted to the state government, which is expected to make a final decision in the coming months. Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan has hinted at a resolution, and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is likely to announce the decision early next year.

The issue of relocating the medical college was raised with the Chief Minister by Chauhan and Nahan MLA Ajay Solanki. Acting on their concerns, the CM directed the Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner to identify suitable land for the college.

While the medical college requires approximately 80 bighas, the district administration identified 150 bighas to accommodate future expansion needs.

This foresight aims to avoid challenges like those faced by IGMC-Shimla, where a lack of space necessitated constructing a new block at Chamiyana.

The existing facilities at the medical college are inadequate, with patients often referred to other hospitals due to limited resources.

Administrative offices function from dilapidated rooms, while the cramped OPD forces patients to endure long queues without adequate seating.

Trainee doctors commute nearly 4 km from hostels and rented accommodations, further highlighting the pressing need for a new, well-equipped campus.

The Dr YS Parmar Medical College was announced eight years ago, yet its permanent building remains incomplete.

For years, it has operated out of the old regional hospital building, which struggles to meet the demands of a medical college.

Patients face challenges due to the congested location, lack of parking, and the difficulty of navigating through city traffic during emergencies.

A significant portion of the college’s operations, including hostels and mess facilities for trainee doctors, still functions from rented premises.

The delay in constructing a permanent campus has not only hindered healthcare services but also affected the quality of medical education provided at the institution.

Chauhan said the relocation was necessary to address current challenges.

“Considering the limitations of the current location, we proposed shifting the college to Kanshiwala. The Chief Minister has asked the Deputy Commissioner to identify land, and a decision is expected within a month,” he said. MLA Ajay Solanki echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the benefits of relocating to a larger plot.

“While the college needs 80 bighas, we have identified 150 bighas at Kanshiwala to ensure room for expansion. The proposal has been submitted, and further action will proceed as per the Chief Minister’s directives,” Solanki stated.

If approved, the relocation of Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar Medical College to Kanshiwala will mark a significant step in improving healthcare services in Sirmaur district.

With ample space for expansion and a strategic location near the national highway, the new campus promises to address the long-standing issues plaguing the institution and ensure better medical facilities for the region.