SMCH Dialysis Unit Sabotaged, Patients Stranded; “We Are Probing Every Angle,” Says SSP Numal Mahatta

A havoc was unleashed inside the dialysis unit of Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) late on Sunday night (August 10) after unidentified miscreants allegedly vandalised the facility, damaging beds, computers, and nine of its 14 German-made dialysis machines. The attackers reportedly broke windowpanes to enter the unit, leaving several patients in distress. An investigation into this has started, where Cachar Senior Superintendent of Police Numal Mahtta is leading the investigation.

On the day of the incident, SMCH Principal cum Chief Superintendent said, “This appears to be a case of sabotage. We have informed the Director of Medical Education, Assam, and the Director of the National Health Mission. The crime seems aimed at disrupting free or low-cost dialysis services that benefit patients unable to afford costly treatment”, adding that patients were present until 10 pm, with the incident occurring around midnight.

Speaking to Barak Bulletin, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Cachar, Numal Mahatta, said, “Investigation is ongoing. We are conducting forensic and technical analysis to find fingerprints and other leads. Suspects, including some hospital staff, are being interrogated.” He added that there were no CCTVs in the dialysis unit, forcing police to rely on footage from other parts of the hospital.

Highlighting another key lapse, SSP Mahatta said, “There were no security guards posted at the wing. We have deployed CRPF to secure the vulnerable area.”

Speculation is rife that the act could have been carried out by individuals linked to private dialysis centres in a bid to tarnish Apollo, the provider of SMCH’s dialysis machines, which offer treatment at significantly lower rates. Allegations suggest the reduced income of private centres might have fuelled the attack.

Addressing these claims, SSP Mahatta said, “Since the arrest of fake doctor (Pulak Malakar), footfall in hospitals where he treated patients has dropped drastically, while others, including SMCH, have seen an increase. This may have triggered such allegations. We are exploring all angles and will rule them out based on evidence.”

Police have assured that concrete results in the case are expected soon.

Sources close to SMCH and Cachar Police revealed that a few doctors and employees of the medical college are already under police scanner, and their names have been listed for a thorough interrogation. On the other side, private nursing homes with dialysis facilities have allegedly increased their charges by two to three thousand rupees.