A joint protest was held in Shimla on April 30 by the All India Democratic Women's Association and the Shimla Nagarik Sabha against an alleged increase in patient charges at government hospitals and the planned relocation of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department from Kamla Nehru Hospital to Indira Gandhi Medical College.
The demonstration took place outside IGMC, with participation from doctors, paramedics, women’s groups, political organisations, and local residents.
Falma Chauhan, President of the Himachal Pradesh unit of the All India Democratic Women’s Association, told ANI, “We will continue protests across the state until the increased fees are withdrawn and the gynaecology department is retained at Kamla Nehru Hospital. If our demands are not met, we will stage a massive protest and gherao of the Secretariat in the coming days.”
Chauhan criticised the government for not consulting stakeholders before implementing such measures. She said, “On one hand, the government talks about strengthening healthcare and promoting advanced technologies like robotics, but on the other hand, it is ignoring basic healthcare needs. Obstetrics and gynaecology services cannot be bypassed.”
She also noted that previously women received treatment under one roof, but are now forced to move between facilities. Chauhan objected to new user charges, saying, “Even registration slips in government hospitals now cost Rs 10, which she termed ‘unfortunate in a welfare state.'”
Sanjay Chauhan, former Mayor of Shimla and CPI(M) state secretary, supported the protest and stressed the importance of preserving the 102-year-old Kamla Nehru Hospital. He stated, “It is our duty to protect this historic hospital. Various organisations, including healthcare workers, women’s groups, and civil society, have come together in support of this movement.”
He further alleged that the move signals a trend towards commercialisation and privatisation of healthcare, commenting, “The government is promoting robotic technology, but such facilities benefit only a small percentage of patients and are expensive. Poor patients cannot afford charges as high as Rs 50,000.”
Sanjay Chauhan added that relocating the gynaecology ward has placed additional pressure on IGMC, which is already overburdened. He noted, “At present, only limited space is available to accommodate patients from across the state, causing inconvenience to doctors, nurses, and patients alike.”
The protest followed demonstrations on April 29 outside Kamla Nehru Hospital, where doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff wore black badges and waved black flags to oppose the decision.
Protesters have urged the state government to reconsider its actions, warning that the agitation could intensify if their demands are not addressed.