WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE HOSPITAL?

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE HOSPITAL?

6-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------------Does the responsibility for carrying out repair and maintenance work lie with the hospital management and the Superintendent-cum-Civil Surgeon of Bhojpur, or not? At the maternity ward of Sadar Hospital, Ara, the security cameras are hanging loosely, tilted downwards; they have been in this state since the day they were installed—years ago—simply because they were never properly secured. Similarly, the ramp/staircase structure designed for the differently-abled at the main gate of the 'Modern Building' has been broken for years; the necessary iron rods went missing before the building was even inaugurated and have never been installed. Likewise, the lights on the upper floors of the Modern Building have been non-functional for months due to the negligence of the hospital manager—a failure for which the Hospital Superintendent (who is also the Civil Surgeon of Bhojpur) shares joint responsibility, as neither of them conducts regular inspections of the hospital premises. These observations come from social worker Amardeep Kumar Jai—an independent candidate for the Ara (194) and Jagdishpur (197) constituencies in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections—who selflessly dedicates himself to the welfare of the helpless, destitute, and unclaimed, whether living or dead. Reportedly, the lack of interest in these minor repairs stems from the fact that they offer little scope for profit or kickbacks for the administrative staff and officials involved in passing bills; meanwhile, the public suffers losses of life and property. Incidents of hooliganism, vandalism, snatching, and theft occur frequently at Sadar Hospital, Ara. Despite tight security—including the deployment of retired army personnel across 24/7 shifts—criminal activities persist. Functional cameras and lights would prove effective in preventing and identifying such incidents, even amidst foggy conditions; yet, this highly critical and sensitive issue has escaped the notice of doctors, officials, and members of the District Health Society and the Patient Welfare Committee (Rogi Kalyan Samiti) of Bhojpur, leaving these problems unresolved. Although there are four IAS officers stationed in Bhojpur district with their headquarters in Ara, the hospital is failing to benefit from their experience and expertise, nor is it gaining any momentum in improvement. As for the development of Ara city, people have found neither relief from traffic congestion nor access to better healthcare facilities. Take the 'Model Building' of Sadar Hospital, Ara: it lacks a functional ICU ward or beds and does not have a single neurologist—so what kind of development is this?

At Sadar Hospital, Ara, officials—including the Civil Surgeon, Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and Hospital Manager—are locked in a battle for authority and dominance rather than working as a team; had they worked together, the hospital would not be in this state, nor would it have become a hub for touts and middlemen. The Health Minister of Bihar, the District Magistrate of Bhojpur (who also chairs the Patient Welfare Committee and District Health Society), should take *suo motu* cognizance of this. During the Health Department's monthly meeting, notices should be issued to the Civil Surgeon (who also serves as Superintendent) and the Hospital Manager, demanding an explanation for issues such as cameras hanging loosely and lights remaining broken for months. Since the department and the government pay them substantial remuneration, there must be some accountability on the part of these officials.