Uttarakhand: The People’s Struggle Front surrounded the Health Minister over the dilapidated health services and demanded his resignation

The deplorable state of healthcare services in Uttarakhand is once again in the spotlight. Following repeated strictures and summons from the High Court, the Jan Sangharsh Morcha (People’s Struggle Front) has criticized Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat.

Healthcare facilities in disarray across the state
Raghunath Singh Negi, president of the Jan Sangharsh Morcha and former vice-chairman of GMVN, said that given the extent to which hospital systems have collapsed, the Health Minister is not morally fit to remain in office. Negi stated that the healthcare system across the state is completely in disarray. Government hospitals have become dens of corruption and exploitation, while private hospitals are charging exorbitant fees from patients under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the name of treatment.

Raghunath Singh Negi further added that the lack of timely availability of emergency facilities like ICUs and ventilators is leading to a continuous increase in deaths of critically ill patients. The departmental minister’s silence and weak control over these issues are extremely worrying. The president alleged that the lack of timely treatment for pregnant women, malfunctioning equipment, severe staff shortages, a chaotic referral system, and the absence of doctors in remote areas have crippled the state’s healthcare system.

Demand for the Health Minister’s resignation
Negi stated that the High Court’s repeated reprimands and summons to officials indicate that the departmental minister has lost control over his own department. Negi said that the increase in deaths over the past few months is direct evidence of the government’s negligence. The Morcha has demanded that the state government immediately remove the failed and irresponsible Health Minister from the cabinet so that a real beginning can be made towards improving the health department.