Agartala, 28th October 2026 : Acute shortages of doctors and nurses at Tilthai Primary Health Centre (PHC) have triggered strong resentment among local representatives, with Janarogya Samiti Chairman Prashanta Debnath accusing the health authorities of neglecting the healthcare needs of the people.
Debnath alleged that the 10-bed health facility has been operating with only two permanent doctors for nearly a year, despite catering to a large number of patients from several surrounding areas. According to him, the hospital frequently accommodates 30 to 35 admitted patients, far exceeding its designated capacity.
The nursing staff strength has also declined following the transfer of two nurses. Of the five nurses previously posted at the PHC, only three are currently serving there, further adding to the pressure on healthcare services.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the response of the health administration, Debnath said the Public Health Committee had repeatedly approached the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Director of Health Services, seeking additional permanent doctors. However, their requests had failed to produce the desired results.
He pointed out that several other 10-bed PHCs in North Tripura reportedly have four doctors each, while Tilthai continues to function with just two permanent doctors. He maintained that the facility should ideally have at least four doctors but said the committee had requested the authorities to ensure a minimum of three permanent doctors and five nurses.
The PHC officially serves eight village panchayats, four under the Yubarajnagar Assembly constituency and four under Panisagar. However, Debnath claimed that patients from a much wider area, including Laljuri, Panisagar and Haflong, also depend on the hospital for medical treatment.
Highlighting the growing patient load, he said at least 150 people were present in the outpatient department (OPD) by Wednesday afternoon, placing considerable pressure on the limited medical staff.
Debnath alleged that the continued shortage of personnel reflected administrative negligence and could adversely affect the government’s image. He clarified that the committee supported the government and did not want its reputation to suffer, but insisted that the healthcare needs of the public must not be ignored because of administrative shortcomings.
He further stated that he had spoken with the party president and the district Sabhadhipati on Wednesday morning regarding the issue. The committee had refrained from escalating the matter during the Durga Puja and Kali Puja holidays, but was no longer willing to remain silent.
Issuing a warning, Debnath said the committee would wait for government offices to resume normal functioning. If three permanent doctors and five nurses were not posted at Tilthai PHC by then, it would take further steps to press for its demands.
He also warned that the matter could be taken directly to Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha if the CMO failed to address the shortage and residents continued to face difficulties in accessing proper healthcare.
The committee’s demand has brought renewed attention to staffing shortages at the grassroots healthcare level, with residents depending on the PHC for essential medical services.
