The Himachal Pradesh High Court has lifted the stay on the operations of five specialized outpatient departments (OPDs) at the Atal Institute of Medical Sciences, popularly known as Chamiana Hospital, in Shimla.
Built to alleviate the patient burden on the overcrowded Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, Chamiana Hospital’s advanced facilities had remained unused due to legal hurdles. However, Wednesday’s court decision has cleared the way for the hospital to begin its operations.
Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan hailed the verdict as a significant relief for the people of Himachal Pradesh. “We had repeatedly requested the court to allow the opening of the five OPDs. It is a matter of relief and pride that the court has today decided in favour of resuming these services. A huge infrastructure had been created at Chamiana Hospital, and its operation was crucial. Acting Chief Justice personally visited the site, reviewed the situation, and acknowledged the necessity of running the hospital. Accepting the government’s plea, the court has allowed the operation of five OPDs and instructed solutions to related issues such as transportation,” he said.
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The Acting Chief Justice, who inspected the hospital premises before the decision, emphasized the urgent need to operationalize the facility. During his visit, he highlighted the importance of making specialized healthcare services accessible to the public.
In its ruling, the court directed the immediate reopening of the five OPDs and ordered the resolution of logistical issues that had hindered the hospital’s functionality.
Inaugurated in October 2024 at a cost of Rs 400 crore, Chamiana Hospital has been equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology but has remained underutilized since its completion. The court stressed that such a significant healthcare investment should benefit the public without further delays.
The hospital’s reopening is expected to ease the strain on IGMC Shimla, which has been struggling to manage an increasing patient load. Advocate General Rattan noted the impact of this development, stating, “IGMC is heavily overcrowded, and this move will ease pressure on its resources. Patients can now avail themselves of advanced medical facilities at Chamiana in a more convenient and organized manner.”
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While the court’s directive has cleared the path for OPD services to resume, some logistical challenges remain. The state government has pledged to address pending issues such as building patient shelters, expanding parking facilities, and setting up a hospital waste dumping site. These matters are set to be reviewed in the next court hearing on December 29, 2024.
Advocate General Rattan also underscored the government’s commitment to improving healthcare across Himachal Pradesh. “This decision is not just about Chamiana Hospital but a broader effort to enhance the state’s healthcare delivery system. The government is determined to ensure every facility operates efficiently to meet the needs of the people,” he said.
The reopening of Chamiana Hospital marks a significant step toward creating a more efficient healthcare infrastructure for the residents of Shimla and nearby areas.
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