SHIMLA: Residents of Lahaul-Spiti want political parties to include better medical facilities, telephone connectivity and road connectivity in the election manifestos. Besides, they also want the implementation of The Scheduled Tribe and Other Traditional Forest Right Act, 2006, and Panchayat Extension to Schedule Areas Act, 1996, in letter and spirit.Save Lahul-Spiti Society has made an appeal to political parties to include issues confronting the tribal district in the election manifestos. Prem Katoch, president of society, said that medical and healthcare facilities available in the district are worst in the state. He said that the entire area remains cut-off from rest of the world for almost six to seven months but still no specialist doctor in any of the department is posted in the hospitals.He said that in case of even minor complications, the patients are referred to Kullu , Shimla or Chandigarh, but due to closure of vehicular movement and irregular helicopter service, they are made to remain at the mercy of God. Prem further said political parties should promise providing at least one snow scooter each at the district hospital and all primary health centres for emergent evacuation of patients from their homes to the nearest health centres. He said that posting of specialist doctors should be ensured at least in the district hospital. He said there should be a provision of a heli ambulance.

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