Chaukhutia: The Operation Swasthya movement demanding upgraded healthcare services in Chaukhutia has entered its 25th day, with no decisive government response yet. Local anger is mounting as residents, supported by public representatives from nearby regions, vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met.
Protesters are demanding the upgradation of the local Community Health Centre (CHC), appointment of specialist doctors, and improvement of essential medical infrastructure. Despite his deteriorating health, 82-year-old Narayan Singh Mehra continues his fast unto death, now on the seventh day of his hunger strike. Pawan Mehra has also joined, entering his second day of fasting.
On Sunday, several supporters including Harish Kumar, Chandan Singh Kaida, Harish Joshi, Balam Negi, Gopu, Kamal Singh, and Kunwar Singh Bhelwal joined the sit-in. Locals garlanded the protesters, chanting slogans against the government’s inaction. The meeting was conducted by Jivan Negi.
Prominent supporters such as Umesh Rawat, advocate Ashok Kumar, Bhagwat Singh Mehra, and Purana Singh expressed solidarity with the protest, urging the government to address the long-standing healthcare deficiencies in the region.
Meanwhile, the Dehradun March that began from the protest site on October 24 has crossed Simli and reached Karnaprayag on Sunday evening, where the participants will halt for the night. The march, led by movement leader Bhuvan Kathayat, includes former MLA Pushpesh Tripathi, youth leader Ashish Negi, and several other representatives. The marchers plan to gherao the CM and Health Minister’s residences upon reaching Dehradun.
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District officials, however, claim that measures are being taken to strengthen healthcare services. CDO Ramji Sharan Sharma said that nine doctors, including one dental surgeon and one medical officer in charge, are currently posted at CHC Chaukhutia. The center has been upgraded from 30 to 60 beds, and specialist doctors are now available three days a week. CMHO Dr. Naveen Tiwari added that continuous efforts are being made to enhance medical services and appealed to the public for patience.
