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Himachal’s Medical Fraternity Comes Down Heavily on State Govt Over Mindless Adoption of AIIMs Model to End Quarantine Period for Health Workers
Shimla-The Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA) has come down heavily upon the HP Government’s decision to end the quarantine period for healthcare workers rendering their services for Covid-19 prevention and care. The decisions was taken entirely based on the model AIIMs, Delhi is following. The Association has termed it as an “insensitive decision” that has been taken without considering the ground reality of the health system in the state. HMOA has advised the HP government to refrain from adopting models and policies that are being implemented in bigger cities of the country.
The medical fraternity along with all resident doctors of the medical colleges in Himachal have opposed this notification. The Association has given the state government three days to withdraw the notification, otherwise, all doctors would work sporting black ribbons to register their protest.
In a notification issued on May 11, 2021, the HP National Health Mission had said, “Keeping in view the fact that the health care workers have already been vaccinated with both the doses of COVID-19 vaccine in the state, the protocol of quarantining of health care workers after rendering the services in COVID areas of the health care facilities is hereby discontinued immediate effect.”
Earlier, the health staff used to undergo a quarantine period of seven days after they had worked in a Covid ward for 10 days. The quarantine period was necessary since they continuously worked in an environment that had a high presence of the virus.
In a scathing statement issued by the General Secretary, HMOA, Pushpinder Verma, the medical fraternity condemned the act of mindlessly implementing decisions of the highly resourceful All India Medical Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Himachal Pradesh.
Putting things into perspective, the Association said that the entire state of Himachal Pradesh has fewer number of serving doctors as compared to those working at AIIMS in Delhi. Hence, the state government has to consider the reality of medical healthcare staff in Himachal and frame policies by taking all professionals working in the field in confidence before taking such decisions.
“The statement of the government that health workers should keep working till they get infected because they have been administered both doses of Covid-19 vaccine is insensitive and against human values,” Verma said.
The government referred to the policy of the AIIMS, Delhi while imposing this order but it did not consider the fact that AIIMS offers several other facilities to its doctors as well. The HMOA asked whether the government had implemented those welfare policies in Himachal Pradesh ever.
“AIIMS provides its doctors and paramedical staff with a residential facility inside the premise of the institute. Will the HP government implement this policy too?”
“At AIIMS, every health worker on Covid-19 duty is serving five days a week in a shift of six hours a day. Thereafter, they are eligible for two vacations,” the Association said.
In its statement, the HMOA pointed out that AIIMS also keeps a dedicated team of doctors and paramedical staff on standby to facilitate the staff on Covid-19 duty.
Talking about vaccination given to healthcare staff, the Association said that health workers have received both doses but their families have not. The associations asked the state government if there is no value in the lives of family members of these corona warriors.
HMOA also pointed out that the rate of fatality is highest among corona warriors and their family members and so far, over 750 doctors and over 1,200 paramedical staff have already sacrificed their lives across the nation while combating the coronavirus pandemic.
The Association also asked the government whether it can take guarantee that health workers would not get infected after receiving two doses of vaccine.
The state government is being asked to reconsider this decision as HMOA requested Chief Minister Jairam Thakur to intervene and withdraw the notification to boost the morale of corona warriors.
Himachal Watcher spoke to some of the members of the association, who pointed out that instead of giving the command to the state’s best health experts, the government is indulging in framing policies by consulting selected officials and bureaucrats who are oblivious to the on-ground reality.
State’s Junior doctors and Post Graduate doctors had been alleging that higher officials or faculty members of the medical colleges are reluctant to undertake Covid-19 duty and avoid visiting the facilities physically. This has increased the burden on the rest of the doctors and students.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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