Agartala, 6th August 2026: Claims of improved healthcare infrastructure in Tripura have come under scrutiny following an incident at RGM Sub-Divisional Hospital in Kailashahar, where the family of an 11-month-old fever-stricken child was reportedly asked to purchase a thermometer from outside the hospital at around 1 am.
According to the family, Shipra Suklabaidya, a resident of Ward No. 3 under the Chandipur Assembly constituency, brought her grandson to the hospital late Tuesday night after the child developed a fever. The attending doctor examined the child, prescribed medicines and advised admission.
However, the family reportedly questioned how the child’s temperature had been assessed when, according to hospital staff, no thermometer was available. The family was allegedly told that the hospital did not have a thermometer and that purchasing a new one was not possible due to a lack of funds. They were consequently asked to arrange one from outside.
With most pharmacies closed at that late hour, the family reportedly travelled to a pharmacy near the district hospital and purchased a thermometer using their own money. Hospital staff subsequently used the privately purchased device to measure the child’s temperature.
Expressing her anger, Suklabaidya questioned the state of government healthcare facilities. “If a government hospital lacks even a simple thermometer, where are ordinary people supposed to get treatment? We are poor and come to government hospitals because we cannot afford private healthcare. If this is the situation here too, where can we turn?” she said.
The incident has triggered concern among local residents, particularly over the availability of basic medical equipment in government hospitals. Questions have also been raised over patient safety when essential diagnostic tools are reportedly unavailable, especially in cases involving infants and other vulnerable patients.
The incident has reportedly generated widespread discussion on social media, with residents demanding an impartial inquiry into the matter and accountability if negligence or administrative lapses are established.
They have also urged the Health Department to ensure that basic medical equipment and essential services remain available round the clock at government hospitals.
