Basic infrastructure gaps cast shadow on GBP Hospital's progress

Government-run GB Pant Hospital, Tripura's premier referral healthcare institution, has witnessed significant improvements in medical services over the past several years.

The hospital now offers advanced treatment facilities, including super-specialty services, and has substantially reduced the need for referring patients outside the state compared to previous years.

However, concerns raised by patients and attendants suggest that several basic infrastructure and service-related issues continue to affect the overall hospital experience. 

Based on observations shared by individuals who recently spent considerable time at the hospital while attending to family members undergoing treatment, the following issues have emerged as areas requiring attention from the authorities.

Shortage of Wheelchairs and Stretchers: Patients and attendants have reported a shortage of wheelchairs and stretchers, particularly in the Emergency Department. Elderly patients, critically ill individuals, and those with mobility challenges often face difficulties moving between different departments.

Although some wheelchairs are available in certain units, many of them are reportedly in poor condition or non-functional. Given the large daily footfall at the state's largest referral hospital, increasing the availability of these basic support facilities could significantly improve patient convenience and reduce the burden on caregivers.

Procedural challenges in availing Ayushman benefits: The Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana has been widely appreciated for providing financial assistance to patients in time of distress. However, beneficiaries have pointed to procedural complexities in accessing the scheme's benefits during hospitalization.

According to attendants, patients often need to complete multiple steps between ward admission, obtaining approvals, and collecting medicines. Each prescription reportedly requires verification and signatures from the Ayushman desk before medicines can be issued. For first-time beneficiaries, particularly those from remote rural areas, the process can be difficult to navigate, raising calls for further simplification.

Behaviour of some security personnel: Private security guards play an important role in managing crowds and maintaining order in a busy hospital environment. However, attendants have alleged that some security personnel occasionally display rude behaviour towards family members of patients.

Several attendants claimed that disputes arise when rules are interpreted inconsistently or communication is perceived as insensitive. Observers noted that many families visiting the hospital are already under considerable emotional stress due to the condition of their loved ones, making courteous interaction especially important.

Need for more Doctors, Nurses and Technicians: A recurring concern among patients and attendants is the shortage of healthcare manpower. Many believe the hospital requires additional doctors, nurses and technicians to cope with the growing load.

The pressure is particularly visible in high-demand areas such as the Emergency Department, where medical team often handle large numbers of patients. Strengthening manpower could further improve service delivery and enhance the hospital's reputation.

Inadequate bed availability: Bed shortages continue to be reported in some units, particularly in medicine wards. Due to the high patient load, some patients are reportedly forced to receive treatment on the floor when beds are unavailable.

Concerns have also been raised regarding insufficient beds in intensive care facilities. Attendants claim that the number of ICU beds remains lower than demand, resulting in delays or difficulties for some critically ill patients requiring intensive care support.

Sanitation and Toilet Maintenance: While hospital authorities have reportedly improved cleanliness standards compared to previous years, attendants say sanitation remains a concern in some areas, particularly in toilets.

Patients and family members have suggested increased maintenance efforts, infrastructure upgrades and deployment of additional cleaning staff to ensure better hygiene standards throughout the hospital premises.

Healthcare services improved, but basic issues persist: Over the past few years, GB Pant Hospital has undergone major expansion with the introduction of new medical services, modern infrastructure and super-specialty facilities. These developments have strengthened healthcare delivery in Tripura and reduced dependence on out-of-state treatment.

However, patients and attendants viewed that addressing basic issues such as mobility support, manpower shortages, bed availability, sanitation and service accessibility is equally important. 

As Tripura pursues its vision of improved healthcare infrastructure and explores opportunities in medical tourism, stakeholders believe that resolving these longstanding concerns could further strengthen the state's flagship healthcare institution.