Tejashwi Yadav Condemns Bihar Government Over Health Infrastructure Failures
Leader of the opposition in the Bihar state assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, launched a scathing attack on the state government on Wednesday, highlighting severe deficiencies in health infrastructure. This criticism followed the circulation of a distressing video from Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital (ANMMCH) in Gaya, which depicted a man transporting his grandmother on a scooter to seek treatment at another facility.
Video Reveals Alarming Patient Neglect at Gaya Hospital
The elderly woman, admitted to ANMMCH with a respiratory illness, was allegedly denied access to a stretcher, and doctors were reportedly unavailable, according to her attendant. Frustrated by the lack of care, the attendant claimed he had no choice but to take her on a scooter in search of medical assistance elsewhere, underscoring a critical breakdown in hospital services.
Tejashwi Yadav Highlights Systemic Shortages in Bihar Hospitals
Sharing the video on social media platform X, Tejashwi Yadav asserted that Bihar's hospitals are grappling with acute shortages. In his post, he detailed a grim scenario: "In Bihar's hospitals, there are no doctors at some places, no cotton at others — where there is cotton, there are no needles, somewhere there are no medicines, somewhere no beds… and now the situation is such that even wheelchairs are not available for patients in hospitals. Out of helplessness, patients are being carried sometimes on bicycles, sometimes on cots, and sometimes on scooters."
Allegations of Collapsed Health System Under NDA Government
Tejashwi Yadav further alleged that the state's health system has "collapsed" under the NDA government, questioning the very purpose of hospitals if they lack essential resources such as doctors, wheelchairs, medicines, treatment facilities, and health workers. He emphasized that merely constructing buildings and labeling them as medical colleges and hospitals does not strengthen healthcare services.
Criticism of Infrastructure Projects and Recruitment Failures
The opposition leader accused the government of using such projects to earn "hefty commissions," arguing that without the recruitment of doctors, nurses, dressers, and lab technicians, these facilities remain ineffective. He also alleged that government hospitals in Bihar have degenerated into referral centers, where patients are often redirected to private hospitals due to inadequate care.
Official Response and Investigation Initiated
In response to the incident, Gaya District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar stated that the matter is under investigation, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. This development adds to growing concerns about the state of public health infrastructure in Bihar, prompting calls for urgent reforms and accountability.
