By TC News Desk
Agartala, 29th December 2024: Health services at the Boxanagar Community Health Center, the primary health facility for the Boxanagar RD Block have been severely disrupted due to various problems, primarily stemming from staff shortages. Local residents and patients have been facing significant challenges in receiving treatment, while the limited staff struggles to provide adequate services. The community is now demanding immediate intervention from the Health Minister to improve the situation.
Boxanagar Social Health Center serves as the main health center for twelve gram panchayats in the area, catering to a population of approximately 30,000 to 32,000 people. However, the hospital is grappling with a shortage of staff, which has led to disruptions in healthcare services. “We are understaffed and overwhelmed,” said one of the health workers at the hospital.
Currently, the health center has four doctors, but one is working on deputation at another hospital, and another is on leave, leaving only two doctors to attend to the influx of patients. “With just two doctors available, it becomes incredibly challenging to manage the patient load,” explained a hospital official.
The pharmacy at the hospital is being managed by the RRBSK team staff, and there is only one lab technician. The hospital also has four nurses, three General Duty Assistants (GDAs), two Multipurpose Workers (MPWs), and seven sanitation workers. However, due to manpower shortages, two of the sanitation workers are assigned to Ayushman work and various OPD duties. “We are doing our best, but the lack of staff makes it difficult to provide the necessary services,” a nurse commented.
Adding to the challenges, the hospital’s cleaning tasks are being handled by the limited sanitation workers available. “We don’t have a dedicated night guard, which has resulted in frequent thefts,” said another staff member. Additionally, the hospital faces issues with electricity, which affects the ability to provide oxygen to patients with respiratory problems.
Parking issues further complicate the situation. “There’s no designated parking area, so cars and motorcycles have to be left at the main gate, causing problems during emergency patient arrivals,” noted a local resident.
The dire conditions at Boxanagar Social Health Center have led to growing frustration among the community. “We urge the Health Minister and high-ranking officials of the Health Department to address these issues urgently,” demanded one of the local leaders. “The people of this area deserve better healthcare services and immediate attention to improve the facilities at Boxanagar Hospital.”
The health workers at the hospital continue to serve under strenuous conditions, hoping for swift action to alleviate their burdens and ensure better healthcare for the residents of Boxanagar.
