Agartala, 4th October 2026 : A controversy has erupted at Agartala’s GB Hospital following the appearance of posters prohibiting the use of mobile phones on the hospital premises.
The development comes amid widespread controversy across the state over allegations of sexual misconduct involving a young doctor and a male patient at GB Hospital. The complainant had allegedly recorded a video of the accused doctor on his mobile phone and subsequently posted it on social media. The incident was later reported by the media.
Following the incident, a section of doctors at the hospital joined protests, claiming that the allegations were false and questioning the role of the media in reporting the matter. At the same time, demands were reportedly raised to prohibit the use of mobile phones for taking photographs and recording videos inside the hospital.
Against this backdrop, posters stating that mobile phones were prohibited began appearing outside various wards of Agartala’s GB Hospital from Saturday night. The posters reportedly stated that entry into the hospital with mobile phones and the taking of photographs and videos were prohibited.
Although the posters carried the words “As per the instructions of the hospital authorities” at the bottom, questions have been raised over their authenticity as they reportedly contain neither the signature of any competent authority nor the date on which such an instruction was issued.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, some security personnel allegedly prevented patients and their relatives who had travelled from distant areas from entering the hospital with mobile phones. The incident reportedly triggered resentment among patients and their family members.
Patients and their relatives said that in the present digital age, mobile phones are an essential means of communication. People travelling from remote areas to the hospital rely on mobile phones to stay in touch with their families. In emergencies, medical information, reports and other important documents are also frequently shared with family members through mobile phones.
This has led to questions over how reasonable it is to impose a blanket ban on mobile phones inside the hospital.
On the other hand, there are also views that photographs and videos recorded on mobile phones have, on several occasions, played an important role in bringing alleged irregularities or unethical activities inside hospitals to public attention. In the past, photographs and videos related to allegations at various hospitals have surfaced on social media, following which authorities took notice and initiated investigations and action.
Critics have alleged that a complete ban on mobile phones inside the hospital could restrict the normal communication rights of patients and members of the public. They have also expressed concern that such a restriction could make it easier for instances of alleged misconduct or unethical activities by doctors and other healthcare workers to remain hidden.
Some sections have further questioned the legality of such a blanket restriction at one of the state’s principal referral hospitals, particularly in the era of Digital India.
However, since the posters reportedly do not carry any signature or official reference, questions remain over whether the ban is actually an official decision of the hospital authorities.
If the restriction is indeed an official decision, many believe that the hospital authorities should clarify the written order, its legal basis and the alternative communication arrangements available to patients and their relatives.
Till the latest reports were received on Sunday night, no official response from the hospital authorities was available on the matter.
