Tanda’s only neurosurgeon to be shifted

Ashok Raina

Kangra, June 12

The state government has decided to send back Tanda medical college neurosurgeon to the IGMC, Shimla.

This has come as a jolt to the authorities of Dr RP Government Medical College, Tanda.

Dr Janak Raj has been asked to report to the IGMC at a time when four patients have undergone brain surgeries and two others need to be operated.

The patients will now have to be shifted as the medical college cannot provide them super-specialty services. The doctor has operated upon 100 patients. He not only saved the patients suffering from trauma, but also made available the services at their doorstep.

Dr Janak Raj said the hospital lacked neuro surgery wards, adding that there was no barber and that he had to shave the heads of a few patients before operating them.

Dr Anil Chauhan, Principal, Tanda medical college, said the doctor was to stay here till the patients needed post-operative care. They will be now looked after by doctors of the department of surgery. Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Vineet Choudary was not available for his comments.

The hospital caters to patients from six districts — Kangra, Chamba, Una, Kullu, Mandi and Hamirpur— and most of the remote areas such as Bharmour. The deputation was of great help. A number of accident victims were operated at the hospital in the last six months. But once the doctor leaves, the patients will be referred to the PGI.

Residents said steps should be taken to provide best healthcare facilities in the city. They urged the Chief Minister to depute good doctors in the hospital.