Agartala, 31st August 2026 : Healthcare services at Bishalgarh Sub-divisional Hospital have been severely affected as the government hospital’s only X-ray machine has remained non-functional for nearly three months, forcing patients to depend on private diagnostic centres for essential tests.
Bishalgarh, a major subdivision of Sepahijala district with a population of around two lakh, depends heavily on the sub-divisional hospital for affordable healthcare. However, the prolonged disruption of X-ray services has created significant difficulties, particularly for poor and low-income patients.
Patients alleged that they are being compelled to undergo X-rays at private facilities, often spending thousands of rupees from their own pockets. For families already struggling to meet medical expenses, the additional cost has become a major burden.
Bishalgarh Sub-divisional Health Officer Dr. Arijit Sinha acknowledged that the hospital’s X-ray machine has been out of service for around three months. According to him, the state government-authorised agency ‘Medicity’ is responsible for the supply, maintenance and repair of medical equipment.
Dr. Sinha said hospital authorities have been regularly communicating with the agency since the machine developed the fault. Technical personnel have reportedly visited the hospital several times to examine the equipment. However, the agency informed authorities that a crucial replacement component had to be procured from Chandigarh. The machine has yet to be repaired, reportedly due to delays in sourcing the required part.
The absence of X-ray facilities is also creating difficulties for doctors, who often require imaging reports to properly assess patients and determine treatment.
Local residents have expressed growing dissatisfaction over the prolonged disruption and alleged that adequate attention is not being given to healthcare facilities in the district. They have urged the authorities to intervene immediately.
Residents have particularly appealed to Chief Minister and Health Minister Dr. Manik Saha to ensure that the necessary repair work is completed without further delay and that X-ray services at Bishalgarh Sub-divisional Hospital are restored at the earliest.
