Vishal Rana, Hamirpur

As the tenure of Sukhdev Singh Sukhhu’s government approaches its one-year mark, a significant protest has erupted in the Dharampur constituency, specifically in Sandhole. The outcry revolves around the shortage of doctors in hospitals, with women leading a vigorous demonstration for the seventeenth consecutive day.

Backed by local social organizations, a massive rally unfolded, drawing over a thousand women and men to the streets. Today, these women, along with the support of social institutions, laid the foundation for an ongoing strike, initiating a continuous 24-hour hunger strike. The local market also expressed solidarity by shutting down for an hour from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Notably, local residents displayed visible discontent towards MLA Chandrashekhar during the rally.

Commencing from the under-construction Sub-Divisional Secretariat, the rally traversed through bus stops, markets, veterinary clinics, and camps, culminating back at the protest site. Following the rally, organizers Poonam Thakur, Satya Devi, and Neelam Kumari decided to embark on a hunger strike. It is worth mentioning that these women plan to continue their hunger strike even during the night.

These women had previously submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Sandhole Tehsildar on November 14, highlighting the dire need for improvements in women’s healthcare, activation of ultrasound machines in the Sandhole hospital, and the commencement of stalled development projects. Despite the memorandum being submitted over a week ago, no representative from the administration or the government has responded.

Poonam Thakur, the Secretary and Coordinator of Kachhali Mahila Mandal leading the protest, emphatically stated that they demand nothing less than the appointment of a women’s health specialist and a radiologist. She proclaimed that women are taking to the streets to assert their rights, calling out those who turn a deaf ear to a woman’s voice. Thakur underscored the strength of a woman, comparing her to Sita when peaceful and to Durga when she rises in fury.

She urged the government to fulfill their demands and questioned the whereabouts of those politicians who made grand promises during elections about improving healthcare and addressing incomplete constructions.

Despite the recent addition of two doctors to the hospital, Poonam acknowledged their presence while emphasizing the necessity for a women’s health specialist and a radiologist. She expressed gratitude towards the state government and specifically Chief Minister Sukhdev Singh Sukhhu for the new appointments, yet pleaded for the recruitment of specialists who can provide comprehensive care.

Poonam Thakur concluded by reiterating that the term “mother” is the most significant word, symbolizing the origin of all. She urged authorities not to force women onto the streets and to consider appointing a women’s health specialist and a radiologist, promising divine blessings of women and maternal strength in return.

The protest has garnered support from local government representatives, including District Council members, Block Development and Panchayat Committee members, and village heads, further bolstering Poonam Thakur’s resolve in this crucial campaign for women’s health.