Healthcare Crisis: Doctorless Sub-Health Centre in Doomdooma Raises Concerns

In Doomdooma, a sub-health centre inaugurated at a cost of Rs 48.38 lakh has been operating without a doctor for two years, highlighting critical gaps in the state's healthcare system. Despite being well-equipped, the facility relies solely on an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife for patient care. Local residents are demanding immediate action from the government to appoint a full-time doctor, fearing that continued neglect will undermine public trust in healthcare commitments. This situation raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of healthcare delivery in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 12:52 IST

Healthcare Facility Lacks Medical Staff

Doomdooma, Jan 16: A newly established sub-health centre, which cost approximately Rs 48.38 lakh and was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been without a doctor for the past two years. This situation has exposed significant flaws in the healthcare system of the state, leading to considerable dissatisfaction among local residents.

The Ouguri Sub-Health Centre, situated in Rupai Ouguri Asomiya Balijan village near Doomdooma in Tinsukia district, was officially opened on February 23, 2024, under the PM-ABHIM initiative, funded by the National Health Mission (Assam).

Constructed at a cost of Rs 48.38 lakh, this centre was intended to serve as a vital healthcare resource for the community.

The foundation was laid on May 13, 2023, and the construction was completed within seven months by a contractor based in Makum.

Despite the timely completion and inauguration, the government has not appointed a regular doctor or Community Health Officer (CHO), leaving the centre to operate primarily with the assistance of a single Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM).

This issue is particularly concerning given that the facility is well-equipped. The ground floor includes a wellness room, pre and post-delivery wards, a laboratory, an immunisation room, a labour room, a doctor's chamber, and separate restrooms for doctors, nurses, and patients.

The upper level provides complete residential accommodations for a doctor. Although furniture, medical equipment, and machinery have been supplied, there are still shortages of essential items, and a boundary wall is lacking.

Residents emphasize that the problem lies not in the infrastructure but in the lack of medical personnel. One local stated, “A fully functional building without a doctor is meaningless for patients,” reflecting a common sentiment.

Previously, after media coverage brought attention to the centre's situation, the Joint Director of Health Services in Tinsukia issued a directive on January 27, 2025, assigning Dr. Mrinmoy Sahu, the community health officer from Maijan Ayushman Arogya Mandir, to provide services at the centre three days a week.

While this temporary solution provided some relief, it ended last month when Dr. Sahu was transferred to his home district, Charaideo. Following the transfer of Multipurpose Health Worker Jayaprakash Barman to Nalbari, the centre is once again reliant solely on the ANM.

Local residents and various organizations have intensified their calls for the state government and district health authorities to promptly appoint a full-time community health officer or doctor at the Ouguri Sub-Health Centre. They argue that ongoing neglect will not only undermine public investment but also diminish trust in the government's healthcare promises.