Fearing closure of Radha Soami hospital, protesters block NH at Bhota

Protesters obstructed traffic on National Highway near Radha Soami Hospital Bhota (RSHB) after a notice to shut down the hospital was fixed on the gates of the hospital complex at Bhota near here today.

Protesters blocked traffic on the National Highway near Radha Soami Hospital Bhota (RSHB) after a notice was pasted on the hospital gates, indicating its potential closure. The hospital's future had been uncertain due to delays in transferring its land to the Maharaj Jagat Singh Relief Society, a sister organisation of Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB).

The protesters gathered near the hospital gates at the cross-section of roads leading to Shimla, Mandi, Dharamsala and Chandigarh. They demanded transfer of land and raised slogans against the state government. According to sources from the sect, the hospital administration had decided to shut down the facility and relocate staff to other health centres being operated by the society. Additionally, there was a significant pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) liability, which the government had been demanding. Despite multiple discussions, no resolution had been reached regarding the GST dues.

SP BS Thakur said protestors blocked traffic at Bhota junction on Wednesday, causing a temporary diversion. He added that the traffic was resumed after the protest ended.

Bhoranj MLA Suresh Kumar said the issue of land transfer had been considered by the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He accused the BJP of politicising the matter. He added that the Congress had supported the establishment of the hospital, while the BJP had neglected the land transfer issue during its tenure. He said the Congress had always supported establishment of health institutions, while the BJP had tried to flare up the matter for political gains.

Former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said the state government should intervene and resolve the issue as it had been vital in serving the local population and those from neighbouring districts since its establishment in 1999. “The suspense on the continuation of the hospital was not a favourable sign and the state government must intervene at the earliest,” said Dhumal.

MLAs Ashish Sharma and Inder Dutt Lakhanpal visited the protest site, expressing concern over the potential closure of the facility.