Protests Erupt Over Closure of Charitable Hospital in Hamirpur

Residents of Hamirpur, including women, have protested against the closure of a charitable hospital run by Radha Soami Satsang Beas. The protest arises over land transfer issues with the state government, affecting GST exemption and hospital services. The hospital has served over 900 villages for two decades.

On Wednesday, a wave of protests surged through Hamirpur as residents, spearheaded by women, voiced their discontent over the impending closure of a charitable hospital operated by Radha Soami Satsang Beas in the Bhota area.

The villagers, demanding the state government resolve land transfer issues preventing continued hospital operations, have pledged daily demonstrations from 11 am to 4 pm. The closure notice cited compliance problems with the Land Ceiling Act, impacting GST exemption efforts.

Located along the Hamirpur-Shimla highway, this 75-bed facility has freely served thousands across over 900 villages since 2000. Without state action, residents promise ongoing peaceful protests, emphasizing their reliance on these critical medical resources.

(With inputs from agencies.)