Sadiya (Assam): In a glaring example of the state’s healthcare crisis, the Sadiya Civil Hospital is grappling with a severe shortage of doctors, forcing nurses to conduct deliveries in the absence of specialists. The incident has triggered widespread concern among residents and renewed calls for urgent government intervention.
Pregnant Woman Left Unattended
On August 17, a 28-year-old pregnant woman was admitted to the hospital around 5:30 am. Her family alleged that despite her critical condition, no doctor attended to her the entire day, leaving nurses to step in and perform the delivery. The case has raised serious doubts about the quality and accessibility of healthcare in the subdivision.
AJYCP Demands Permanent Gynaecologist
Apu Burhagohain, president of the Asom Jatiotabadi Yuva Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP), Sadiya unit, slammed the administration, calling the situation “unfortunate and unacceptable.” He told The Assam Tribune:
“For a long time, Sadiya Civil Hospital has been functioning without a permanent gynaecologist. Temporary doctors from Tinsukia visit occasionally, but this is nothing more than a stopgap arrangement. We demand the immediate appointment of a permanent gynaecologist.”
Hospital Administration Acknowledges Crisis
The Sub-Divisional Medical Officer admitted that the facility has been facing severe staff shortages. Earlier, the hospital had two permanent gynaecologists, but both were reassigned to special duties. Since then, the department has been dependent on temporary doctors who often arrive only after 2 pm, severely disrupting patient care.
Residents Express Anger, Demand Intervention
Locals have voiced their growing frustration, urging the state government to take immediate action to appoint permanent doctors and restore round-the-clock healthcare services. Residents warned that without urgent intervention, maternal and child health in the region will remain at high risk.
Wider Healthcare Crisis in Assam
This is not an isolated case. Recently, the 30-bed rural hospital in Sarthebari was reported to have been functioning without a single doctor for three consecutive days, leaving the facility nearly non-functional. Similarly, the Jalandhar Civil Hospital is also reeling under a severe staff crunch, reflecting a larger crisis of understaffing in public hospitals.
