Rajarhat’s health center in ruins; locals accuse authorities of neglect

The Chandpur Health Center, situated in the Chandpur Panchayat area of Rajarhat block, spans 8 bighas of land and serves a significant population across several nearby villages, including Shikarpur, Jhaligachi, Kashinathpur, Bagu, and parts of South 24 Parganas such as Bhojerhat and Bhangar. Originally designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services, the center is now in a state of severe disrepair. Despite its large size and potential to cater to a wide population, the facility has become largely nonfunctional due to a lack of resources, staff, and maintenance.

The center is currently staffed by just one doctor, who only visits the facility two to three days a week, leaving it understaffed and unable to meet the healthcare demands of the local population for the remainder of the week. This limited medical presence has led to an overwhelming strain on the available healthcare services, making it difficult for patients to receive regular and timely medical care. Locals have highlighted that many medical needs go unmet due to this lack of consistent healthcare personnel.

In addition to insufficient staffing, the health center has multiple unused medical resources. There are beds that have been packed and stored in the facility’s warehouse but have not been utilized due to the absence of required personnel and equipment. Various medical devices and instruments, which are crucial for patient care, are also stored away unused. The hospital’s staff accommodation buildings, which should house medical and support personnel, are in poor condition due to long-term neglect and a lack of maintenance. The roofs of the buildings are damaged, and the infrastructure has deteriorated. Locals have reported that the premises are often overrun with stray animals such as cows and goats, which roam the hospital grounds during the day. At night, the area becomes a site for criminal activity, further deterring people from seeking care at the facility.

As a result of the ongoing neglect, local residents are forced to travel long distances to access healthcare. Many people have to visit the Rajarhat Block Hospital or the Arjikhur Hospital for even basic treatment, and some are referred to other hospitals, such as the Arjikhur Hospital, for more advanced care. This has led to an overwhelming burden on other nearby healthcare facilities, which are also struggling to accommodate the increased patient load.

Despite these ongoing issues, local officials, including Chandpur Panchayat head Madhabi Ray, have acknowledged the situation and promised to inform higher authorities to address the hospital’s condition. Madhabi Ray confirmed that complaints regarding the center’s state have been raised several times in the past, but the necessary steps to improve the situation have not been taken. Rajarhat Block Development Officer Golam Gosal Azam also stated that while the doctor occasionally conducts medical camps and visits, the overall infrastructure and healthcare services at the center remain inadequate.