6 years on, project to build two hospitals in Mansa hangs fire : The Tribune India

Sameer Singh

Tribune News Service

Mansa, May 27

The project to construct two government-run hospitals (urban primary health centres) in Mansa district is in limbo for over six years now. The hospitals were to be built in 2015 under a scheme of the National Health Mission (NHM) to provide medical services to people dwelling in slums.

Even as funds to the tune of Rs 5 crore were sanctioned by the central body six years ago, the project has not materialised so far. Talking to The Tribune, Gurlabh Singh Mahal, an advocate and social activist, said, “For the construction of the hospitals, approximately 4,500 square feet land was to be acquired but owing to conflict of interest among the councillors, the Nagar Council could not provide land for the project.”

Balwinder Singh Kaka, former president of the Nagar Council, said, “We made all efforts to construct two government hospitals, but certain elements with vested interest did not let it happen. We had suggested land for the project on the Khokhar road area, but objections were raised by some sections on flimsy grounds. Land could not be provided as there was no consensus among councillors on the matter.”

The Health Department wrote to the Nagar Council on numerous occasions and letters were issued for acquiring land, but the latter’s non-challant approach hit the project.

Manjit Singh, general secretary, PPCC, said, “We all are passing through tough times when we need hospitals and doctors more than anything else. Had such projects been taken on priority earlier, it would have been of great assistance to patients. I have met with representatives of the Nagar Council and after prolonged discussion asked them to start the process to provide the land for the project.”

Dr Sukhwinder Singh, Civil Surgeon, Mansa, said, “Despite being asked to provide the land for the construction of hospitals, the Nagar Council could not do so. Now, we will check with the higher authorities whether the funds sanctioned for the project are still available or have been utilised for some other work. If the funds are available, we will initiate the process to acquire land for the project afresh.”