BJP Member of Parliament from Mandi, Ms. Kangana Ranaut, expressed deep grief over the tragic death of Manju Sharma, a young mother, following childbirth at the Regional Hospital in Kullu. She said that the incident is not merely a personal tragedy for one family but a serious reflection of the deteriorating healthcare system in Himachal Pradesh.
She extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and demanded a fair, transparent, time-bound investigation, along with strict action against anyone found responsible for negligence. Ms. Ranaut said that the fact that thousands of people have come out on the streets demanding justice clearly reflects the growing public anger against the state government's handling of the matter.
She stated that had the Health Department acted promptly and transparently against those responsible, such widespread public outrage could have been avoided. Restoring public confidence, she said, is the responsibility of the government, and the Congress government has failed in that duty.
The MP stated that this is not an isolated incident. Over the past few years, several cases of alleged medical negligence, shortage of specialists, inadequate medical infrastructure, and poor healthcare services have emerged from hospitals across Himachal Pradesh. While the Congress government continues to make lofty claims about providing world-class healthcare, the reality on the ground is that public health services are steadily deteriorating.
Ms. Ranaut alleged that the State Health Minister has failed to demonstrate seriousness even in important national-level meetings where Himachal Pradesh's healthcare requirements and development proposals are expected to be effectively presented before the Central Government. She said that if the leadership itself is not committed to strengthening the healthcare system, the people cannot expect quality medical services.
She further said that the Health Minister has previously attracted criticism for insensitive public remarks. Referring to an earlier controversy involving the death of a woman patient after surgery at a civil hospital in Arki, she said that such statements hurt the sentiments of grieving families and expose the government's lack of sensitivity.
The people of Himachal Pradesh deserve a compassionate, accountable, and efficient healthcare system—not insensitive responses from those entrusted with public welfare.Ms. Ranaut also alleged that the state is witnessing widespread corruption and administrative misgovernance.
She claimed that discussions about corruption have overshadowed discussions about development in Himachal Pradesh, with allegations surfacing across multiple sectors. She further alleged that reports of corruption have become common and said that the Chief Minister must explain to the people what concrete steps his government is taking to address these concerns and ensure transparency in governance.
Concluding, Ms. Ranaut said that the Bharatiya Janata Party stands firmly with the family of Manju Sharma in their quest for justice. She urged the state government to ensure a transparent and time-bound investigation, take exemplary action against those found guilty, strengthen the public healthcare system, and guarantee safe, accessible, and quality medical services for every citizen of Himachal Pradesh.