Concerns Rise Over Abandoned Health Centres in Margherita

In Margherita, numerous sub-health centres remain abandoned, raising serious concerns among local residents. Despite being built to serve communities, many of these facilities have never been opened, leaving the population without essential medical services. The deteriorating state of these centres has led to safety issues, including drug use and public health risks. Residents, particularly pregnant women and children, face dangerous journeys to access healthcare. The AJYCP is calling on the Assam Government to take immediate action to reopen these centres, warning of potential protests if their demands are not met. This situation highlights the urgent need for government intervention to ensure community health and safety.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2025, 16:02 IST

Abandoned Health Facilities in Margherita

Margherita, June 20: Numerous sub-health centres within the Margherita sub-division are left abandoned and non-operational, raising alarm among the local populace.

These facilities, established in areas like Ledo, Margherita, and Jagun, have remained closed since their construction.

A notable case is the sub-health centre located at Ram Nagar in Jagun, which has never been officially inaugurated and has been shut for over five years, despite its intended purpose to serve surrounding villages.

Kanchan Bora, a member of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), expressed, “The sub-health centres were constructed with care, yet for reasons unknown, they were never opened. If they had been operational, residents from remote areas could have accessed essential medical services nearby.”

Bora criticized the local MLA, Bhaskar Saikia, for this negligence, stating, “This inaction has deprived the community of vital healthcare.”

Over time, these abandoned centres have fallen into disrepair. Many have been stripped of furniture and medical supplies due to theft and vandalism, with broken doors and windows, and some have become hideouts for drug users.

Bora added, “At night, these centres are taken over by drug users. With no medical staff present, our community feels unsafe. We urge the authorities to take immediate action.”

The current condition of these centres poses significant threats to public health and safety. Despite ongoing concerns and repeated requests from the public, the Health Department and state government have largely ignored the issue.

Due to this neglect, pregnant women and children are forced to undertake perilous boat trips across the Burhi Dihing River, even during the monsoon season, to reach the nearest health facilities in Jagun or Margherita. The lack of a proper bridge and nearby healthcare options has led to numerous accidents as people rely on makeshift boats to cross the river.

The AJYCP has urgently appealed to the Assam Government and the local MLA to take swift action to reopen all inactive sub-health centres in the area.

Bora warned, “We demand these centres be made operational immediately, or we will have no choice but to protest.”