Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 23: In a significant development, the Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) is contemplating the relocation of its charitable Bhota Hospital to the Jammu region in response to persistent land issues in Himachal Pradesh. This decision follows repeated appeals from RSSB's sangat (devotees) in Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan, who have highlighted the urgent need for quality healthcare in the area.
Request from Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan Sangat: Devotees in Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan have urged RSSB's spiritual head, Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, to establish the Bhota hospital in the Jammu region. They point to the region's inadequate healthcare infrastructure and high medical costs as critical issues that the hospital could address.
Challenges in Himachal Pradesh: The move stems from ongoing difficulties RSSB has faced in acquiring land for the Bhota Hospital in Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal Pradesh government has shown reluctance in providing support, leading to complications. Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's opposition to granting relief to RSSB has further hampered progress.
Healthcare Needs in Jammu Region: The Jammu region, which serves a large population, particularly in rural areas, has faced long-standing challenges with insufficient healthcare services. A hospital like the Bhota facility, known for its free medical services, could prove essential in providing relief to underserved communities.
Potential Relocation to Jammu: Given the lack of resolution in Himachal Pradesh, RSSB is seriously considering shifting the Bhota hospital to the Jammu region. The hospital, which operates under the charitable MJMRS society, has been offering free medical treatment and could have a significant impact in the region.
Political and Administrative Considerations: The relocation comes amid political tensions related to RSSB's expansion efforts in Himachal Pradesh. With no progress on land issues, the Jammu region has emerged as a potential alternative, supported by the region's substantial RSSB sangat and critical healthcare needs.
Role of RSSB's Charitable Mission: The Bhota hospital is part of RSSB's broader mission to offer free, quality healthcare to underserved communities. If relocated to Jammu, it would continue this mission, addressing the region's urgent healthcare needs.
Community Response: The news has been met with optimism among local residents and devotees of RSSB in Jammu & Kashmir, who hope that the establishment of a new hospital could significantly enhance healthcare access in the region.
As discussions between RSSB and local authorities in Jammu & Kashmir intensify, the potential shift of the Bhota Hospital to the region remains under careful review. Factors such as land availability, infrastructure development, and alignment with RSSB's charitable goals will play a crucial role in the decision-making process. The people of Jammu & Kashmir are closely watching the unfolding developments, eager to see how RSSB's healthcare outreach will expand in the region.
The Bhota Charitable Hospital, located in Distt. Hamirpur, Bhota, operates as a 75-bed facility on 44 acres, situated at the crossroads of key roads in Himachal Pradesh. Since its commissioning on June 20, 1999, the hospital has served nearly 130,000 outpatients and 9,500 inpatients annually, offering laboratory, X-ray, ECG services, and specialized medical and surgical care. |
