Operation theatre in 50-bed Kangra hospital non-functional, patients suffer

The 50-bed Civil Hospital in Kangra, once a lifeline for residents of nearby villages, is grappling with neglect as its Operation Theatre (OT) remains non-functional. Despite handling an impressive daily OPD of 350-500 patients and an annual OPD of 1.2 lakh, critical medical services at the hospital are paralysed due to vacant posts and outdated infrastructure.

Out of 11 sanctioned posts of Medical Officers, nine are filled, but the absence of a surgeon and gynaecologist has rendered the OT unusable. Adding to the hospital’s woes, it lacks an X-Ray machine, radiologist and orthopaedist, severely limiting its utility. Insiders admit the hospital is nearly redundant without a functional OT.

Dr Alpana, the newly appointed Senior Medical Officer (SMO), highlighted that while nursing staff, lab technicians, and pharmacists are adequately staffed, the OT’s revival is urgent. She emphasised that equipping the hospital with modern facilities would reduce the burden on Tanda Medical College.

Positively, Dr Alpana praised the support from the local civil administration and the Brajeshwari Temple Trust, which has improved certain aspects. Notable advancements include online registration through ‘ABHA’ IDs, reducing patient wait times to just 30 seconds.

Additionally, issues such as leaking roofs and a dilapidated building have been addressed. However, Kangra CMO Dr Rajesh Guleri stated that old structures must be dismantled immediately to create space for new facilities. He confirmed that a proposal for a new building has been submitted, and efforts to restart the OT are underway.

Residents and hospital staff alike hope for urgent action to restore full functionality to this vital healthcare centre.