Newly rebuilt health centre opens once a month in Assam’s Sribhumi, sparks irregularity charges

A Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Assam’s Sribhumi district has come under intense scrutiny after it was revealed that the facility, rebuilt at a sanctioned cost of Rs 54,63,942, opens only once a month and receives virtually no patients. 

The shocking condition of the centre has triggered serious questions about accountability, transparency and the implementation of government development schemes at the grassroots level.

The PHC, located in the Mokamchhara area under the Ramkrishnanagar constituency of Sribhumi district, reportedly functions only on the 4th of every month, and that too exclusively for administering vaccinations to children. For the remaining days, the centre remains closed, leaving the local population without basic healthcare access.

Residents allege that despite lakhs of rupees being sanctioned for its reconstruction, the building remains in a dilapidated condition. Broken windows, poorly maintained rooms and the absence of essential facilities present a stark contrast to the substantial public funds allocated for its upgrade. The centre does not even have a signboard identifying it as a health facility.

According to locals, no doctor has been appointed to the centre. Only one nurse is posted, who oversees the limited vaccination services conducted once a month. Villagers claim that not a single patient visits the centre for regular medical consultation, as it remains non-functional for most of the year.

Adding to the controversy, a plaque bearing the name of local MLA Bijoy Malakar has been installed at the site, marking the reconstruction project. However, the ground reality, residents argue, tells a different story — one of neglect and administrative apathy. The construction of a toilet at the premises has further raised eyebrows, as the facility itself remains largely unused.

The situation has led to growing suspicions among the public that the scheme may have primarily benefited the contractor rather than serving its intended purpose of delivering healthcare to the people. Observers point out that the quality and scope of work executed do not appear to justify the sanctioned amount of over ₹54 lakh.

Local residents have now urged the Chief Minister and the concerned MLA to intervene and initiate a thorough investigation into the matter. They are demanding accountability from the authorities and strict action if any irregularities are found.

The incident once again highlights larger concerns surrounding rural healthcare infrastructure and monitoring mechanisms, raising pressing questions about whether development funds are translating into real benefits for the people they are meant to serve.