The public agitation demanding better healthcare facilities at the Civil Hospital in Sandhol, under Dharampur Assembly constituency of Mandi district, gathered fresh momentum on Tuesday as women took over the relay hunger strike following a massive public rally attended by hundreds of residents. The protesters renewed their demand for the immediate deployment of specialist doctors, adequate medical staff and functional diagnostic services, saying years of assurances have failed to improve healthcare in the region.
The protest witnessed participation from women, youth and residents from surrounding villages, reflecting widespread public resentment over the prolonged shortage of healthcare services. Former Zila Parishad member Bhupender Singh, along with Suresh Sharma, Dinesh Kaku, Mon Singh, Luddar Singh and Kuldeep Singh, joined the rally and expressed solidarity with the agitators.
Addressing the gathering, Bhupender Singh said residents have been compelled to agitate repeatedly because successive governments have failed to ensure basic healthcare facilities. He recalled that women had launched a similar protest in 2023, after which Dharampur MLA Chander Shekhar had reportedly assured them that a gynaecologist and comprehensive diagnostic testing facilities would be provided within 100 days. However, he alleged that more than 930 days have passed since the assurance was made, but the promises remain unfulfilled, forcing residents to resume their protest.
Although the protesters had initially planned to launch an indefinite fast from Tuesday, they decided to continue with the relay fast after the MLA reportedly sought 10 more days to address their demands. They warned that if no concrete action is taken within the stipulated period, the agitation would be intensified.
Bhupender Singh also accused both the present and previous state governments of neglecting the Sandhol region. While acknowledging that a multi-storey hospital building was constructed during the previous BJP government at a cost of several crores, he alleged that neither administration ensured adequate staffing, specialist doctors or laboratory facilities, rendering the infrastructure largely ineffective.
Protesters, including Avinash Thakur, Monu Jamwal and Punam Thakur, said the absence of a gynaecologist has forced pregnant women to travel long distances for routine check-ups and deliveries. They said the situation becomes particularly dangerous during the monsoon when road blockades delay access to referral hospitals, putting mothers and newborns at risk. They also pointed out that the hospital’s X-ray and ultrasound machines remain largely unused due to the absence of a radiologist and demanded the appointment of a physician to improve treatment for patients across all age groups.
According to data available with The Tribune, the hospital has 14 sanctioned Medical Officer posts, but only four are filled, leaving 10 vacancies. Of the 22 sanctioned Staff Nurse posts, only five are occupied, while 17 remain vacant. Block Medical Officer, Dharampur, Dr Dharam Pal, said the Civil Hospital caters to nearly 15,000 people. Residents, however, maintained that their peaceful protest would continue until the hospital is adequately staffed and equipped.
Repeated attempts to contact Dharampur MLA Chander Shekhar for his response remained unsuccessful.