Enforcement of poll code delays construction of Assandh hospital

Tribune News Service

Karnal, August 28

The enforcement of the model code of conduct (MCC) has led to a delay in the construction of the 100-bed subdivisional Civil Hospital in Assandh.

The Public Works Department (PWD) (B&R) could not float a tender before the MCC was implemented, sparking a political controversy ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The hospital has been a long-standing demand of the residents of Assandh, who reside on the borders of four districts — Karnal, Panipat, Jind and Kaithal. It was a major issue during the previous election. The delay in starting the construction work may become a focal point in the election campaign, with the Congress gearing up to use it as a key issue for challenging the ruling government.

Earlier, it was a community health centre (CHC), the facility was upgraded to a 100-bed hospital with all facilities by the state government last year. However, the existing space at the CHC is insufficient to accommodate the upgraded facilities. The department had sanctioned the necessary posts for the doctors and paramedical staff, and even deployed nearly 20 doctors, but the inadequate infrastructure forced some doctors to be transferred to other places where the posts of the Medical Officer were vacant.

“Due to the enforcement of the MCC, the tender could not be floated. It will be issued after the MCC is lifted,” said Rishi Sachdeva, Executive Engineer (XEN), PWD (B&R).

An official of the Health Department said the budget of the project had already been issued to the PWD (B&R). The tender was to be floated by the PWD. The present building is insufficient and the new building will help in providing better health facilities to the general public. Local MLA and Congress leader Shamshher Singh Gogi accused the government and the authorities of deliberately delaying the project.

He claimed that the hospital project was approved due to his efforts, but the government had shown a lack of commitment towards its timely completion. “The drawing has already been approved, but the tender could not be floated, which shows the government’s apathy towards Assandh,” he said.

Gogi stressed on raising the issue during the upcoming Assembly election. “I have raised the issue in the Haryana Assembly so many times and I will raise it in the upcoming Assembly elections,” Gogi added.