MLA Cracks Down On Alleged Private Practice Inside Government Hospital

A visit by Katigorah MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha to Jalalpur Block Primary Health Centre in Cachar on Thursday (June 18) led to the discovery of what he described as a serious irregularity inside the government healthcare facility. The incident came to light after the MLA attended a programme organised by the hospital’s Jan Arogya Samiti and later decided to inspect the premises.

According to information available at the site, two pharmacists, identified as Abdul Haque and Zahirul Islam, had allegedly been operating chambers near their government residential quarters within the hospital campus. During the inspection, the MLA reportedly found several patients, including women, waiting in queues outside the chambers.

Visuala showed a room equipped with medicines, medical instruments and a stethoscope, while a crowd gathered around as questions were raised regarding the activities being carried out there. During the interaction, it was stated that the practice had been continuing for nearly 20 to 25 years.

Addressing the media at the site, MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha alleged that the Jalalpur Block Primary Health Centre had effectively been turned into a “commercial establishment” by a section of its staff. He claimed that some pharmacists had opened their own chambers within the hospital premises and were examining patients while using medical instruments such as stethoscopes “as if they were full-fledged doctors”. According to the MLA, many patients were consulting the pharmacists instead of the doctors posted at the facility.

Purkayastha further alleged that despite the government providing medicines, funding and infrastructure to strengthen public healthcare services, the actions of a few “corrupt” individuals had transformed the hospital into a business venture for personal gain. He said such practices undermine the purpose of a government healthcare institution and called for strict action against those responsible.

Following the inspection, the MLA directed authorities to take immediate action. Officials accompanying him, including the Circle Officer, reportedly sealed the two chambers. A quantity of government-supplied medicines and medical equipment was also seized from the premises.

The MLA stated that he had informed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma about the matter and had also spoken to the Joint Director of Health Services, seeking strict action against those found responsible. He further stressed the need to improve the functioning of the hospital.

The incident has generated considerable discussion in the area, particularly at a time when authorities across Assam have been conducting operations against unqualified medical practitioners. The development has triggered strong reactions locally, with further action from the health department awaited.