Bishalgarh, Tripura 17th March 2025.
In a shocking reflection of Tripura’s crumbling healthcare infrastructure, Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Hospital has been operating without proper electricity, forcing doctors to rely on candlelight and healthcare workers on lanterns (hurricane lamps) to attend to patients, even during emergencies.
According to local sources, for the past several days, the hospital has been facing severe power outages, leaving the entire facility in darkness. Despite being one of the key government hospitals catering to thousands of patients in the region, no effective steps have been taken by the authorities to restore regular power supply.
Hospital staff and patients are living in fear and frustration, as critical procedures, including emergency treatments, maternity care, and minor surgeries, are being conducted under dim candlelight, risking lives and medical complications.
A nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, shared,
“We are forced to work with lanterns and candles. Imagine treating a critical patient or assisting in childbirth in such darkness! It’s terrifying, but we have no option.”
Doctors are also expressing serious concerns about patient safety, especially in the absence of proper lighting during night hours.
One senior doctor said,
“This is not just negligence; this is a life-threatening situation. Without electricity, essential machines and medical equipment cannot function. The government must take urgent action.”
Patients’ families have also voiced their anger, stating that they never expected to see such a dire condition in a government hospital. Many are now being forced to take patients to private hospitals, spending huge sums of money, which is unaffordable for the common people.
The situation has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many citizens demanding immediate intervention by the state government and health department.
Despite several complaints lodged with the concerned authorities, no concrete measures have been implemented yet, leaving patients and healthcare workers in a state of distress and uncertainty.
Locals fear that if this situation continues, it could lead to serious medical mishaps, loss of lives, and further deterioration of public trust in government healthcare facilities.
People are now urging the Tripura government and Health Ministry to urgently resolve the power crisis at Bishalgarh Hospital and ensure uninterrupted medical services for the people of the region.
