Assam: Beds shortage at Abhayapuri Civil Hospital on Independence Day leaves sick students in corridors

Several students participating in the Independence Day parade at Gandhi Maidan, Abhayapuri, fell ill during the celebrations and faced a shortage of beds at the Abhayapuri Civil Hospital on August 15. 

The incident occurred on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, causing chaos and concern among parents and onlookers.

According to eyewitnesses, the students were immediately rushed to the hospital after feeling unwell during the parade. However, due to a lack of available beds, hospital staff were forced to treat the students in the corridors and verandas. 

Medical personnel attended to them on the spot, providing first aid and necessary care despite the infrastructural limitations.

Local residents and guardians expressed frustration over the inadequate facilities, particularly during a large public event where such medical contingencies are foreseeable. 

Health authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but calls for improving emergency preparedness and increasing hospital capacity in Abhayapuri have grown louder following the incident.

The Independence Day programme at Gandhi Maidan had drawn large crowds, with multiple schools and organizations participating in the parade. 

While the overall event went ahead as planned, the health scare highlighted pressing gaps in the district’s medical infrastructure.