Referral hospital in West Champaran fails to serve due to shortage of doctors, staff

Bettiah: The state-of-the-art referral hospital, built at a cost of approximately Rs 8 crore at Semra in West Champaran district, remains non-functional due to shortage of qualified doctors and essential medical equipment. As a result, the facility is unable to deliver quality healthcare, particularly to patients from remote tribal areas.At present, only two AYUSH doctors from the health and wellness centre, which has been shifted to the new hospital, are providing treatment through OPD for minor ailments. In the absence of comprehensive medical care, patients are compelled to seek treatment either in neighboring Uttar Pradesh or at private healthcare facilities.Mukesh Yadav, a hospital attendant, said that the hospital building was completed in 2022 and inaugurated by CM Nitish Kumar the same year. Although the hospital includes all major departments and adequate space, but no doctors or specialists have been appointed even three years after its inauguration.Dr Vijay Kumar, civil surgeon of West Champaran, said, “I am aware of the poor condition of the facility that falls under Harnatand PHC. I have visited the hospital multiple times and talked to the health department regarding the urgent need for doctors, staff, and resources, but no positive response has come yet. For now, OPD services are being managed by the team from the Semra health and wellness centre.”Meanwhile, local residents expressed deep disappointment over the issue. Bhanu Pratap Singh and Shubham Kumar, a patient’s relative, recalled the excitement when the hospital was under construction. “People from dozens of tribal villages believed they will finally have access to proper healthcare. But today, only minor illnesses like fever and cold are treated here. Most patients still travel to UP or private clinics. This hospital has become more of a showpiece than a functioning facility,” they lamented.Valmikinagar MP Sunil Kumar stated, “I’ve discussed the issue with health minister Mangal Pandey, who assured me that once recruitment in the health department is complete, doctors and staff will be posted at the Semra referral hospital and it will be fully equipped.”