Guwahati: Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal issued a stern warning on November 8. He stated that hospitals may refuse treatment to patients if attendants ignore safety protocols. Singhal flagged dangerous behaviors during an inspection at Tezpur Medical College and Hospital. Attendants frequently crowd patients, kiss newborns, and breach ICUs or operating theaters without sanitizing. "Patients won’t be treated if attendants violate hospital protocols," Singhal said.
These actions threaten patient health by spreading infections. Singhal demanded immediate compliance with staff instructions. He also addressed failing hospital infrastructure during his visit. He noted broken glass panels, poor cleanliness, and general maintenance neglect. He ordered the principal and superintendent to fix the gynaecology, paediatrics, and surgery departments first. X-ray service delays must also stop starting the next day.
Singhal expects results. He plans to return in 10 days to check repair progress. Meanwhile, the government is pushing to boost local healthcare capacity. Officials are upgrading six medical colleges in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Barpeta, Tezpur, and Jorhat. These facilities will receive new super-speciality equipment to stop residents from seeking advanced medical care outside Assam.
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