BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 13th August 2025: A disturbing pattern of unofficial payments and alleged commission trading has emerged at GB Hospital, Tripura’s main referral facility raising serious questions about the integrity of its healthcare services.
Despite its status as a government hospital, families of admitted patients are reportedly forced to spend thousands of rupees to secure basic care much of it going to so-called “special nurses” who operate without formal medical qualifications. These individuals, often introduced as relatives of patients, are widely known within the hospital system but remain unofficial and unregulated.
“They’re not on any payroll, but without them, it’s nearly impossible to get proper care. We have to pay Rs 500 daily just to ensure someone watches over our loved one,” said a relative of a patient, requesting anonymity.
Tensions erupted in the hospital’s medicine block today when a group of these special nurses clashed over alleged commission demands. According to eyewitnesses, a woman identified as Soma referred to by others as “Soma Madam” was accused of trying to monopolize the informal nursing network by demanding commissions from fellow workers.
“She told us that if we take over a patient’s care, we must pay her Rs 100 to Rs 500 as commission. If we don’t, she threatens to block us from working in the hospital,” alleged Chandana Sarkar, one of the special nurses involved in the dispute.
Chandana along with another nurse named Hiron Saha claimed they are forced to pay Soma nearly Rs 3,000 out of their monthly earnings of Rs 15,000. “This is extortion. We’re here to help patients, but now we’re being squeezed ourselves,” Hiron said.
The dispute has reportedly been simmering for days escalated into a public confrontation that drew the attention of local residents and media. Soma is said to reside in Banikya Chowmuhoni, while Chandana and Hiron live in Vivekananda Housing.
Beyond the commission racket, the broader issue remains the hospital’s systemic failure to provide adequate care without unofficial payments. Patients referred from across Tripura arrive at GB Hospital expecting free government services only to find themselves burdened by hidden costs.
“If a patient stays for 10 days, the family ends up spending thousands not just on medicines, but on tips and unofficial fees. It’s heartbreaking, especially for poor families,” said another patient’s relative.
