Gaya: Around 12 acres of land belonging to the Leprosy Hospital and Asylum in Gaya remains under encroachment, with more land vulnerable to illegal occupation. Gaya Sadar SDO Anil Kumar Raman has blamed the hospital management for “non-cooperation” and acting as a “passive facilitator” in the continuing encroachment. The hospital is located in Panchayati Akhara locality, west of the Gaya-Patna Road.
Allegations by Welfare Committee
The issue was highlighted by Vinod Kumar Mandal, president of the Bihar State Leper Welfare Committee, who alleged that health department officials have remained indifferent to the plight of the inmates. Mandal claimed that maintenance and patient care at the hospital are inadequate. He said food supply to inmates had remained suspended for some time and was restored only after the intervention of Aurangabad MP Abhay Kushwaha. Even after resumption, the evening snack has reportedly been discontinued.
Poor Living Conditions
He further alleged that living conditions in the hospital are poor, with dilapidated rooms, inadequate sanitation facilities and a lack of running water. Although hand pumps were installed earlier, they have become defunct.
Hospital In-Charge Acknowledges Issues
Hospital in charge Dr Sanjiv Suman acknowledged that most of the concerns raised by Mandal were genuine. He said despite having substantial land, the institution faces a shortage of accommodation. At present, 27 inmates are housed in just eight rooms, which can accommodate only 16 persons.
On the issue of inmates engaging in begging despite the practice being officially banned, Dr Suman said he could only counsel them and lacked the authority to physically prevent them. He added that he had repeatedly written to administrative authorities seeking removal of encroachments, but no action had been taken so far.
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Abdul Qadir is a widely acclaimed journalist having expertise in ultra left extremism, political dynamics and education system. With a 30 year long stint in journalism, Qadir has also been associated with several social, literary and cultural activities. He has also taught Economics in a Post Graduate College in Bihar.
