NO QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENT AT HARIGAON ADDITIONAL HEALTH CENTRE: BHAI DINESH

NO QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENT AT HARIGAON ADDITIONAL HEALTH CENTRE: BHAI DINESH

21-MARCH-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------------Public sentiment has begun to grow vocal regarding the severe lack of basic medical facilities and the failure to provide 24-hour health services at the Additional Health Center located in Harigaon, within the Bhojpur district. Addressing this issue, Bhai Dinesh, the former MLA of Jagdishpur, has submitted formal applications to the District Magistrate (Bhojpur), the Sub-Divisional Officer (Jagdishpur), and the Civil Surgeon (Bhojpur), demanding immediate and concrete action.

It is pertinent to note that during the previously held 'Pragati Yatra' (Progress Journey), Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—recognizing the significance of the aforementioned health center in Harigaon (the ancestral village of the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam)—had publicly announced that 24-hour services, including the availability of doctors, nurses, life-saving medicines, ambulances, pathological testing, and maternity services, would be provided at the facility.

Former MLA Bhai Dinesh reminded the administration that democratic protests have been staged on multiple occasions in the past to support this demand. These protests included mass sit-ins (*Mahadharna*) and the picketing of the Civil Surgeon's office. While assurances were received during administrative dialogues, no qualitative improvement has been observed at the ground level. In fact, even the minimal assurance provided by the Health Department—to restore partial services for 12 hours a day—has yet to be fulfilled.

Expressing deep concern over this deplorable state of health services, the former MLA stated that the residents of Harigaon and neighboring rural areas—particularly the underprivileged classes, vulnerable citizens, and pregnant women—are facing a severe crisis due to the lack of adequate medical treatment. The unavailability of local medical care during emergency situations is an extremely grave matter and a clear indication of administrative apathy.

He further asserted that if 24-hour health services are not immediately restored at the Harigaon Additional Health Center, this issue will be raised prominently during the Honorable Chief Minister's proposed 'Samriddhi Yatra' (Prosperity Journey). Furthermore, widespread protests and agitations will be organized to safeguard the public interest.