Shimla, February 15: In a recent assembly session, former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur leveled serious allegations against the Sukhu-led government of Himachal Pradesh. He claimed that the state’s important projects, such as the Medical Device Park, have been ruined due to stubbornness, corruption, and mismanagement, resulting in significant economic losses for the state.
Thakur emphasized that if the Nalagarh Medical Device Park project had been completed on time, it would have been a ‘game changer’ for Himachal Pradesh. However, he accused the Sukhu government of sacrificing state interests due to political malice.
He pointed out that, in addition to Nalagarh, similar parks are rapidly being developed in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Thakur noted that plots have already been allocated to companies along the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, while advanced technology firms are investing in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). These initiatives aim to promote companies manufacturing medical devices like ventilators and pacemakers, moving the country towards self-reliance in the medical equipment sector.
Thakur alleged that this project, which was secured after intense competition during the BJP government’s tenure, is now stalled due to the current government’s obstinacy. He stated that the central government, under Prime Minister Modi, had released the first installment of ₹30 crores for the project, which the state government returned.
He mentioned that the goal was to complete the project by March 2025, but the reality is that nearly ₹10,000 crores in potential investment and 15,000 direct job opportunities are now in limbo.
The Leader of the Opposition also expressed concern over the deteriorating state of healthcare services. He stated that the state’s ‘Himcare’ scheme has been affected due to outstanding dues of ₹400 crores. Additionally, ₹250 crores are owed under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and ₹120 crores under the Sahara scheme.
According to him, the failure to make payments has led suppliers to halt the delivery of surgical supplies and medicines, resulting in postponed surgeries for impoverished patients. Those suffering from serious illnesses like cancer are forced to purchase expensive medications and injections from outside.
Thakur accused the government of being unable to make payments while simultaneously imposing additional burdens on the public by increasing fees for special wards, MRIs, and abdominal tests at major hospitals like Indira Gandhi Medical College.