Doctors Oppose Govt Move to Shift KNH Gynaecology Unit to IGMC, Seek Rollback
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Shimla, April 23: The State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers has strongly objected to the state government’s decision to bifurcate the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) by shifting the Gynaecology unit from Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC).
In a statement issued here, the association described the move as arbitrary and contrary to established medical and academic practice. It said OBG functions as an integrated discipline in teaching institutions, where continuity of care and coordinated training are essential. Any separation of services, it cautioned, would affect both patient care and academic standards.
SAMDCOT maintained that dividing the department would disrupt clinical workflows and lead to avoidable delays in treatment. It also flagged concerns over its impact on undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, stating that the proposed arrangement of two separate teaching units is neither practical nor in line with regulatory norms.
The association questioned the rationale of linking the decision to the introduction of robotic surgery at IGMC, pointing out that such procedures cater to a limited number of patients and cannot justify a structural shift of services.
It further noted that KNH has existing infrastructure and planned expansions, including an IVF centre, fetal medicine services and oncology facilities, which could be affected if the department is split.
Highlighting the role of the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, the association said the facility has been catering to critical cases for over two decades and receives referrals from across the state, including from AIIMS Bilaspur. Any disruption, it said, could have serious implications.
The association added that repeated representations made by faculty members have not been adequately addressed. It has urged the government to reconsider and withdraw the decision in the larger public interest, while suggesting that advanced surgical facilities be developed without disturbing the existing structure at KNH.
Reiterating its stand, SAMDCOT said the decision, if implemented, would be detrimental to patient care, medical education and long-term healthcare planning in the state.
