Dibrugarh: Activists from the Asomiya Yuva Manch (AYM) staged a protest on Saturday in front of Lakhimpur Medical College and Hospital (LMCH), demanding better medical facilities and the appointment of specialist doctors. The protesters carried banners and shouted slogans against the Assam government, accusing it of neglecting the hospital’s medical infrastructure.
Shortage of Specialists and Equipment
According to AYM General Secretary Anupam Saikia, LMCH, which began operations in 2022, lacks specialists in critical fields such as neurology, cardiology, neurosurgery, urology, and nephrology. Additionally, he pointed out the shortage of CT scan machines, forcing patients to travel long distances to Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh or Gauhati Medical College for treatment.
Hospital Fails to Meet Expectations
LMCH was inaugurated on February 15, 2022, by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and was built at a cost of ₹500.89 crore on 168 bighas of land. The facility includes state-of-the-art lecture halls and accommodations for students, interns, and resident doctors. However, activists argue that despite these investments, the hospital has failed to provide specialized healthcare services due to a shortage of doctors, inadequate equipment, and poor infrastructure.
Previous Warnings and Fines
In 2023, the National Medical Commission (NMC) imposed a ₹1 crore fine on LMCH due to severe mismanagement. Reports highlighted alarming issues such as power outages during surgeries, staff shortages, and frequent absenteeism of senior officials. The NMC also warned the hospital to resolve its financial dues and improve its services or face further action.
Call for Government Action
Anupam Saikia criticized the government for its failure to improve healthcare services at LMCH. “Patients in need of specialized treatment are forced to travel to distant hospitals. How can a poor patient afford such long journeys for healthcare? This is a betrayal of the people’s trust,” he said.
The protesters have urged the Assam government to take immediate steps to address the crisis and ensure that LMCH fulfills its purpose of providing quality healthcare to the people.
