Guwahati: A spate of thefts targeting copper wiring from air conditioning units has severely disrupted medical services at Sribhumi Civil Hospital, leaving nearly ten AC machines non-functional across critical departments. The recurring thefts have created an alarming situation, particularly in diagnostic units such as Sonography and X-Ray, where high indoor temperatures have impacted both staff performance and patient care.
According to hospital officials, the continued lack of climate control has caused extensive damage to sensitive equipment. The Sonography unit alone has reported software failure in three key systems, severely hindering diagnostic capabilities. Patients and healthcare professionals have been forced to operate under extreme heat, leading to stress, delays, and mounting frustration.
Despite repeated complaints and the filing of an FIR at Sadar Police Station, no arrests have been made. Hospital Superintendent Dr. Lipi Deb confirmed the thefts are frequent and ongoing. “The copper wiring from the external AC units is frequently stolen. Consequently, nearly ten AC units are non-operational. Although an FIR has been registered, the culprits remain at large,” she said.
Staff members echoed the concerns, citing deteriorating working conditions and delays in diagnostics. The lack of climate-controlled rooms has not only made it difficult to operate equipment but has also worsened the patient experience, particularly for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
The public, too, has expressed growing outrage over the silence of the district administration. Critics warn that unless immediate action is taken, the continued failure to secure hospital infrastructure could spiral into a full-blown healthcare crisis, putting lives at risk.
Calls are intensifying for a swift police investigation, reinforced security measures, and urgent intervention by health authorities to restore services and protect vital infrastructure.
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