Sushmita Dev meets Anurag Goel urges him to empower Cachar DC and give her charges of SMCH

Anurag Goel, Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Health & F.W is in Silchar to take stock of Barak Valley’s preparedness to combat the coronavirus-led pandemic. Yesterday, former MP Sushmita Dev went to meet the C&S and discuss various issues related to COVID19 and the appointment of Cardiologist in Silchar Medical College and Hospital.

When eminent Cardiologist, Chennai based Rakesh P Gopal has agreed to treat patients once in a month for free, why is the Department of Health not approving it? Sushmita Dev said she has asked this to the Goel who replied saying he will look into the matter as he is not aware about the development.

Goel’s visit comes after constant criticism of healthcare infrastructure in Silchar especially Silchar Medical College and Hospital. “I have told Goel that he needs to empower Cachar DC as she is best suited to look into the grievances,” said Dev. DC Cachar is in the executive committee of SM Dev Civil Hospital but the district administration does not play a role in SMCH and its affairs.

“I have told the Commissioner & Secretary to make DC the in-charge of SMCH so that we know whom to get in touch with to address the issues. Superintendent and Principal are busy dealing with the medical challenges and they must not be disturbed. DC Cachar can be at the helm of operational challenges,” informed Dev.

DC Cachar visits SM Dev Civil Hospital every now and then. Patients treated there said that the arrangements are good and the food is provided in time. However, there are several complaints regarding food at SMCH and other COVID Care Centres.

“I have discussed the issue of food with Commissioner & Secretary and told him that he is duty-bound to review the food contracts. He told me, normally, where Rs 150 is spent by the government on food, during COVID they have increased the budget to Rs 500 per day and he feels it is enough to provide quality food. My point then is, why are people complaining that they are not getting food or getting only stale items. I have urged him to look into the matte,” said Dev.