Agartala, 6th August 2026: Concerns over the functioning of the Emergency Department at Khowai District Hospital have intensified, with allegations that security guards are being made to perform duties that should ordinarily be handled by trained hospital personnel.
According to complaints from patients and attendants, during night hours the Emergency Department is sometimes left without adequate presence of doctors and nurses, while security personnel are reportedly required to manage patients and attend to basic medical needs. A female security guard was allegedly seen attending to patients in the absence of regular medical staff.
The situation has also raised concerns about the working conditions of the security guards, who are reportedly paid only around Rs 5,000–6,000 per month. Public complaints claim that they are assigned a wide range of responsibilities, including assisting with bandaging, carrying files and transporting medical supplies. After prolonged and strenuous duties, guards have reportedly been seen dozing at the emergency desk during late-night hours.
The allegations have prompted questions about the availability and accountability of doctors, nurses and other hospital personnel during emergency shifts. Patients and attendants are demanding clarification from the hospital authorities regarding staffing arrangements and the responsibilities assigned to security personnel.
Meanwhile, the hospital’s ultrasonography service is reportedly affected by a non-functional machine, adding to difficulties faced by patients requiring diagnostic services. Concerns have also been raised over the alleged deterioration of costly medical equipment due to improper handling and inadequate maintenance.
The reported condition of the hospital has triggered questions over supervision, equipment maintenance and utilisation of human resources. Patients and local residents are now seeking intervention from the concerned authorities to ensure that trained medical personnel remain available in emergency services and that security guards are not burdened with duties beyond their designated responsibilities.
