Mounting allegations surrounding the functioning of Teliamura Sub-Divisional Hospital under Khowai district of Tripura came under sharp scrutiny on Saturday after a surprise inspection by Teliamura MLA and Chief Whip of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Kalyani Saha Roy.
The visit exposed what the legislator described as a state of “complete disorder” in the hospital, bringing the administration and Sub-Divisional Medical Officer (SDMO) Dr Raja Jamatia under intense criticism.
For months, the hospital has been facing a series of complaints, including poor healthcare services, the return of lakhs of rupees from the Patient Welfare Fund )Rogi Kalyan) , alleged diversion of essential medicines and vaccines, irregular attendance of staff, and the alleged influence of middlemen within the hospital premises. Most of these allegations have repeatedly pointed towards the hospital administration headed by SDMO Dr Raja Jamatia.
During her inspection, the MLA reportedly found several employees absent from duty without authorized leave. Among those allegedly absent was Dr. Samir Debbarma, who is responsible for the operation theatre. The visit also revealed apparent lapses in discipline and administrative management across various departments of the hospital.
Sources said that the issue of approximately Rs 56 lakh from the hospital’s Patient Welfare and Development Fund being returned unused also came to the MLA’s attention. She further raised concerns regarding allegations of misappropriation and illegal diversion of important medicines and vaccines.
When questioned about these matters, SDMO Dr Raja Jamatia allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations.
Sources said that the SDMO became emotional while responding to the queries, though critics argue that this did little to address the serious concerns surrounding the hospital’s administration.
Expressing strong dissatisfaction over the situation, Kalyani Saha Roy immediately contacted Director of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Debashree Debbarma over the phone from the hospital premises and apprised her of the issues. She also stated that the matter would be brought to the notice of Chief Minister and Health Minister Dr Manik Saha.
After the surprise inspection, speaking to local media persons, the MLA candidly remarked that “anarchy is prevailing in Teliamura Sub-Divisional Hospital.” She expressed serious concern over the irregular attendance of several staff members, including LDC Prashanta Sinha and Dr Samir Debbarma.
Addressing the issue of ambulance shortages, Mrs Saha Roy noted that she had earlier provided an ambulance to the hospital at a cost of around Rs 9 lakh from her MLA Local Area Development Fund. She also pointed out that another ambulance was supposed to be available at the facility. Nevertheless, she assured that if the shortage persists, efforts would be made to arrange additional ambulances through MLA funds or assistance from the state government.
The findings of Saturday’s surprise inspection have raised serious concerns about the current state of healthcare administration at Teliamura Hospital. While the MLA highlighted her continued efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, questions are now being raised over administrative inefficiency and the alleged negligence of certain hospital staff.