The 30-bed rural hospital in Sarthebari has been functioning without a single doctor for the past three days, triggering outrage among local residents. Allegedly, patient care has been managed by support staff, including third- and fourth-grade employees, amid growing concerns about healthcare collapse in rural Assam.
The hospital, located in Barpeta district, is considered a crucial healthcare centre for surrounding villages. The absence of medical professionals has left locals vulnerable, especially those requiring emergency attention.
Hospital Functions With Only Support Staff
Sources inside the hospital said that two junior staff members have been overseeing basic patient needs, including outpatient check-ins and bed management. However, there have been no doctors on duty since June 6. Additionally, raising serious questions about administrative accountability and rural health governance.
A hospital staff member, who chose to remain anonymous, said,
“We have no doctors since Friday. Only two of us are here. We are trying to help patients, but this is not our job. People are suffering.”
Patients Suffer in Silence
Dozens of patients reportedly turned back after discovering the absence of qualified personnel. Several individuals who had come for prenatal checkups, minor surgeries, or routine treatment had to either wait indefinitely or travel to Barpeta town—over 30 km away—for care.
Rahima Begum, a patient’s relative, said,
“We came for my sister’s pregnancy checkup. We were told no doctor is available. How can a hospital run like this?”
Local residents alleged that notices or public announcements were not made regarding the staff shortage, which further added to the confusion.
Local Leaders Express Outrage
The local panchayat and youth organizations have expressed anger over the matter. A protest was staged outside the hospital on Sunday evening. With villagers demanding immediate appointment of doctors and disciplinary action against those responsible.
Sarthebari Gaon Panchayat President, Mr. Dipen Deka, said:
“This is total negligence. Rural people cannot be left to suffer due to poor planning and absenteeism. The Health Department must act now.”
Government Response Awaited
Despite the outcry, no official statement had been released from the Assam Health Department by Monday afternoon. Further, when contacted, a district health officer said the department is “looking into the matter” and “will initiate an inquiry.”
The absence of medical personnel for multiple days violates health service norms and poses a significant risk to the lives of patients in the area.
A Broader Issue of Rural Healthcare Gaps
This incident has once again brought focus to the persistent doctor shortage in rural Assam. According to recent data from the National Health Mission, many rural health centres in the state operate with limited staff and infrastructure.
A 2024 survey revealed that over 30% of rural hospitals in Assam regularly report vacancies for doctors, specialists, and even pharmacists.
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Call for Systemic Reforms
Healthcare activists argue that mere temporary transfers or suspensions won’t solve the problem. They demand permanent rural postings, incentives for rural service, and strict attendance monitoring of government doctors.
Dr. Bhaskar Barman, a public health expert, said,
“What happened in Sarthebari is unacceptable. We need robust healthcare staffing policies and accountability mechanisms.”
A Wake-Up Call
The Sarthebari hospital doctor shortage is more than just a staffing issue—it is a wake-up call for Assam’s healthcare system. It reflects a serious gap in governance, communication, and basic service delivery that needs urgent attention.
Citizens and civil society must continue to demand transparency, action, and a healthcare system that does not fail its most vulnerable.
Stay informed. Speak up. Because health is a right, not a privilege.