Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil Saturday postponed his proposed foreign visit along with a nine-member team of officials from his department after a row erupted over his son being included in the delegation.<\/p>\n
As per a communication issued by Health secretary and marked to the secretary, Ministry Of External Affairs, Government of India, the delegation led by Shandil was to visit to London and France from October 2 to October 11 to \u201cexplore innovative healthcare model, medical advancements, and policy frameworks so as to support the implementation of best practices in Himachal Pradesh healthcare sector\u201d. The delegation included Shandil\u2019s son, Dr (Col) Sanjay Shandil, who was mentioned as \u2018Accomplice of Honorable Health & Family Welfare Minister\u2019, along with others.<\/p>\n
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Addressing a hurriedly called press conference, Shandil, cited the devastation caused by heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, said, \u201cThe tour has been deferred for the time being in view of the current situation of the state\u201d.<\/p>\n
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The development came hours after former chief minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur attacked the state government over Shandil\u2019s proposed foreign visit. \u201cThe entire state is reeling under the impact of the disaster. Neither roads, nor basic facilities like electricity and water have been restored. Patients are running from one hospital to another looking for treatment. Cancer<\/a> patients have been left stranded mid-treatment because payments under the Himcare scheme have not been cleared. Yet, the Health Department is busy planning a London\u2013Paris trip with family and friends at government expense. This is a shameless government that had promised change in governance,\u201d Thakur said in a post on his Facebook<\/a> page.<\/p>\n On being asked by the reporters, Shandil accepted that both his son and daughter-in-law were scheduled to travel, but added that they were doing so at the personal expense.<\/p>\n \u201cMy son was travelling with me due to health reasons. Family members can travel on their own expense and there is nothing wrong in that,\u201d Shandil said.<\/p>\n As reporters posed more question, Shandil hit back saying that media should focus focus on public issues \u201crather than reporting on who is travelling abroad and with whom\u201d.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n Justifying the purpose of his foreign visit, the minister said that his department want to learn from global best practices and apply them in Himachal Pradesh. \u201cThe tour has been postponed not cancelled. We can go on the exposure visit within the next six months. It is always good to learn from the countries, which are ahead of us. Let Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu<\/a> come, I will discuss the matter with him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n On being asked that in the official communication, his son was mentioned as an \u2018accomplice\u2019, Shandil said that an explanation will be sought from the officer, who drafted the letter.<\/p>\n The delegation that was to accompany Shandil included MLAs Sanjay Ratan and Captain Ranjeet Rana (Rtd), Health Secretary M Sudha Devi, Director of Health Services Dr Gopal Beri, NHM Managing Director Pradeep Thakur, HPMC Managing Director Divyanshu Singhal, Director of Medical Education Dr. Rakesh Sharma, NHM State Programme Officer Dr. Anadi Gupta, and the minister\u2019s son.<\/p>\n The presence of the minister\u2019s son, who, sources said, has retired from the Indian Army, in the delegation drew flak from several quarters with Opposition accusing the Congress government of attempting a \u201cluxury excursion\u201d at public cost.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n
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