Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal on November 8 warned that patients could be denied treatment at medical colleges if their attendants refuse to follow hospital protocols and instructions issued by authorities.
During an inspection of Tezpur Medical College and Hospital, the minister flagged several practices that could compromise patient safety, including overcrowding around patients, kissing newborn babies and entering intensive care units (ICUs) and operation theatres without following hygiene protocols.
Singhal said such practices could expose vulnerable patients to infections and put their lives at risk. He directed attendants to follow doctors' instructions and maintain hygiene within hospital premises.
The minister also raised concerns over delays in X-ray services and said the issue would be addressed from the following day.
During the inspection, he expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of several departments, pointing to poor cleanliness, broken glass panels and inadequate maintenance.
He instructed the principal and superintendent to ensure repairs are carried out department by department, prioritising gynaecology, paediatrics and surgery.
Taking a serious view of the performance of maintenance agencies, Singhal said he would revisit the hospital after 10 days to assess the progress of the repair work.
The minister also announced plans to equip six medical colleges in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Barpeta, Tezpur and Jorhat with super-speciality facilities. The initiative aims to reduce patients' dependence on hospitals outside Assam for advanced medical treatment.
