By Sunil Sonkar
Mussoorie, 29 Jun: Taking a significant step towards improving healthcare facilities in Mussoorie, State Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi inspected the Sub-District Hospital on Monday. During the visit, he met with admitted patients to inquire about their health and gathered feedback on the medical services being provided. Interacting with the patients, he assured them that the government is committed to providing superior, quality healthcare facilities to every citizen.
During the inspection, medical equipment and kits were provided to the hospital at an event organised with financial support from ONGC (CSR), Dehradun, and in collaboration with the Saraswati Jan-Kalyan evam Swarozgar Sansthan, Dehradun. While inaugurating the equipment, the Minister remarked that such collaborations play a vital role in strengthening healthcare services through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
At the event, the hospital’s Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS), Dr Khajan Singh Chauhan, presented a detailed report on the hospital’s operations. He stated that approximately 250 to 300 patients receive treatment daily at the Sub-District Hospital, Mussoorie. Most medical facilities are available locally, resulting in a referral rate of only 0.3 percent—limited to critical or emergency cases. He noted that, alongside various diagnostic facilities, essential medical services are being provided to patients in a timely manner. However, he highlighted a persistent shortage of Class IV employees and certain paramedical staff, which needs to be addressed urgently.
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi stated that healthcare facilities in Mussoorie are being continuously strengthened. He mentioned that he has held detailed discussions with the Health Minister regarding this matter, and the process of launching a dialysis unit in Mussoorie as a first step is proceeding rapidly. Additionally, efforts are underway to provide ICU (Intensive Care Unit) facilities in the future, which will reduce the need to refer critically ill patients to Dehradun.
The Minister noted that the need for a post-mortem facility in Mussoorie has long been felt, and a search for suitable land is currently in progress. He stated that the construction process would begin as soon as the hospital administration makes the land available.
Responding to periodic questions regarding health services, Ganesh Joshi remarked that some individuals level baseless allegations without knowing the facts; in reality, healthcare facilities in Mussoorie have consistently expanded. He emphasised that the government aims to deliver quality healthcare to every citizen and is continuously working towards this goal.
The Minister acknowledged a shortage of Class IV and paramedical staff at the hospital but assured that the government is addressing the issue seriously, with the process of filling vacant posts set to be completed soon.
Speaking to journalists, Ganesh Joshi also discussed preparations for the upcoming monsoon season and agricultural activities. He stated that the Agriculture Department is fully prepared to ensure farmers receive necessary facilities on time and to minimise losses caused by natural disasters.
Responding to political queries, the Cabinet Minister stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party begins preparing for the next election immediately after one concludes. He expressed confidence that the BJP would perform well in the 2027 Assembly elections and form the government for a third consecutive term. Addressing a question about ticket distribution, he noted that in a democracy, everyone has the right to contest elections, but the decision regarding the party’s candidate rests with the organisation. “I am a public servant, and serving the people is my priority,” he said.
Several individuals were present on the occasion, including BJP Mandal President Rajat Agarwal, Mohan Petwal, Arvind Semwal, Anita Dhanai, Kamala Thapliyal, Jasoda Sharma, Sachin Pawar, Vijay Vindwal, and Guddi Devi.
