Assam: Copper theft cripples healthcare services at Sribhumi civil hospital; AC units down, diagnostics hit

A concerning wave of thefts targeting critical infrastructure has disrupted essential medical services at Sribhumi Civil Hospital. Miscreants have repeatedly stolen copper wire bundles from the outdoor units of air conditioning (AC) systems, resulting in the malfunctioning of nearly ten AC machines across various hospital departments.

According to hospital sources, the continued absence of functioning air conditioning has severely impacted healthcare delivery in key diagnostic units, including the Sonography and X-Ray departments, which have been forced to operate under extreme heat for an extended period. The situation has reportedly damaged three essential software systems in the sonography machine, causing further distress to patients and staff alike.

Despite formal complaints filed at the Sadar Police Station, no arrests have been made to date. Dr. Lipi Deb, Superintendent of the hospital, confirmed that these thefts have become a recurring issue. “The copper wiring from the external AC units is frequently stolen. Consequently, nearly ten AC units are non-operational. Although an FIR has been registered, the culprits remain at large,” she stated.

Staff members from the sonography and X-ray units also voiced their frustration, citing poor working conditions and delays in diagnostics due to the failing equipment and heat-induced stress.

Meanwhile, the silence and inaction from the district administration have drawn sharp criticism from the public, who fear that the situation, if left unaddressed, could escalate into a full-blown healthcare crisis.