Press Release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 7th May 2026

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the media report about nineteen female students contracting Tuberculosis in the hostel of the MGMSC Nursing College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Reportedly, the students at the hostel face overcrowded, damp and unhygienic living conditions with severely inadequate sanitation

The Commission issues a notice to the state Chief Secretary, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that nineteen female students were infected with tuberculosis in the hostel of the MGMSC Nursing College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Reportedly, during two recent inspections of the premises, serious deficiencies were observed in the management of the hostel, including sanitation and overall institutional functioning. However, no corrective measures were taken by the authorities, resulting in the students contracting tuberculosis.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

The media report, carried on 02nd May 2026, has highlighted several shortcomings based on the two inspections of the institutions held on 31st March and 17th April 2026. The students at the hostel face overcrowded, damp and unhygienic living conditions with severely inadequate sanitation. Food quality is poor and lacks basic nutrition. They are reportedly denied rest during illness and forced to work as “hospital staff” even on holidays.

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