Agartala, 25th August 2026 : A prolonged shortage of medicines and essential medical supplies has raised serious concerns over the functioning of government healthcare facilities across Unakoti district, with patients and their families alleging that the crisis has persisted for nearly five months.
From the Unakoti District Hospital at Bhagwannagar to subdivisional and other government hospitals, patients reportedly have to purchase medicines and essential items from outside despite being admitted to government-run facilities. For many low-income families, daily wage earners and tea garden workers, the additional expenditure has become a major burden.
Relatives of patients said that in the past, government hospitals generally supplied most essential medicines, except for specialised or costly drugs. The situation, they alleged, has now changed significantly, with patients often receiving only basic services such as a bed or saline while being asked to procure other necessities from private pharmacies.
A relative of a tea garden worker admitted to the district hospital said, “Earlier, most essential medicines were provided by the hospital. Now, even basic medicines have to be purchased from outside. If patients have to buy everything after coming to a government hospital, where will poor families go?”
A senior Health Department official acknowledged that disruptions in the supply of medicines and logistical materials began around April. According to the official, supplies from the Directorate of Health Services have not been reaching hospitals regularly, affecting facilities across the district.
The shortage has also triggered concerns that patients may increasingly turn to private hospitals and nursing homes, further increasing their healthcare expenses. While financially stronger families may manage the additional costs, the situation could have a disproportionate impact on economically vulnerable households.
The prolonged crisis has therefore raised questions over the availability of “free” government healthcare in the district. Residents are now demanding immediate restoration of regular medicine supplies and essential logistics, saying that concrete action is needed to end the five-month-long crisis.
