BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 10th February 2026 : The stark gap between tall promises of healthcare reforms and the grim reality on the ground has become increasingly evident in Unakoti district, where surgical services at the District Hospital have virtually collapsed over the past month due to administrative lapses in doctor transfers.
At present, the entire Unakoti District Hospital is functioning with only one surgeon, leaving patients and their families in distress. Until recently, two surgeons were posted at the hospital. However, about a month ago, surgeon Dr. Saurabh Lodh was transferred to Agartala. To address the resulting vacuum, the Health Department issued an order transferring senior surgeon Dr. Chandan Mallick from Agartala to Kailashahar, citing the need to “maintain balance.” The move, however, has remained ineffective, as Dr. Mallick—who is due to retire in a few days—has not joined the Unakoti District Hospital.
Caught between a surgeon unwilling to move to Agartala and another reluctant to join Kailashahar, the people of Unakoti district have emerged as the biggest victims of what many describe as administrative indecision. Currently, Dr. Pallab Debbarma is single-handedly managing surgeries, emergency decisions, and routine medical responsibilities—an arrangement doctors themselves admit is neither practical nor sustainable.
As a consequence, most important surgical procedures have been halted for nearly a month. This stands in direct violation of Indian Public Health Service (IPHS) guidelines, which mandate at least two specialist surgeons in every district hospital. “Are these rules meant only for files, or does Unakoti district fall outside their scope?” questioned several residents.
Chief Minister and Health Minister Dr. Manik Saha has repeatedly stated that the state’s health system must be strengthened to reduce pressure on GB Hospital in Agartala. Ironically, the deteriorating condition of Unkoti District Hospital has led to a surge in patient referrals, further overcrowding GB Hospital and burdening the state’s healthcare system.
Many residents expressed anger while speaking to this correspondent, recalling that several experienced and compassionate doctors had earlier been transferred out of Unkoti, each time leaving common people to suffer the consequences of administrative decisions.
Confirming the situation, Medical Superintendent Dr. Rohan Pal said, “Dr. Saurabh Lodh was transferred about a month ago, and an order was issued for Dr. Chandan Mallick to join in his place. But he has not joined till date. As a result, only one surgeon is currently serving the entire district.”
Echoing the concern, Dr. Pallab Debbarma said, “Along with OPD duties, emergency cases keep coming in, and surgeries have to be performed when required. Handling everything alone is difficult. Having another surgeon would certainly help.”
The episode has triggered serious questions: Are IPHS norms merely symbolic? Are development claims of the double-engine government limited to speeches and stages? And is the health of Unakoti’s people being treated as insignificant?
If left unanswered, observers warn, the present state of Unakoti District Hospital will not just reflect the failure of one institution, but will stand as a damning record of systemic failure—fueling public anger across Kailashahar and the entire district.
