Kaziranga College Students Demand Improved Healthcare After Tragic Accident
Protest for Better Healthcare Facilities
Himanta Biswa Sarma interacting with students and authorities of Kaziranga Government Model College who had gathered outside Kohora Model Hospital to raise concerns over healthcare facilities in the region (Photo: @ATULBORA2 / X)
Guwahati, Nov 14: On Saturday, students from Kaziranga Government Model College organized a protest, advocating for enhanced healthcare services at Swahid Beja Baishnab Model Hospital in Kohora. This demonstration followed a tragic road accident that resulted in the loss of 26 lives in Kaziranga.
The students gathered on campus, expressing their concerns about the insufficient medical infrastructure in Kohora and Bokakhat, which they believe delayed critical treatment for several victims rescued from the accident site at Rangajan.
One student remarked, “The accident was a disaster not only for Kaziranga but for the entire state. If we had better healthcare facilities, the number of fatalities could have been reduced, and more lives could have been saved.”
Reports indicate that many passengers involved in the unfortunate incident were students from the college.
During the rescue operations, students claimed that some injured individuals had to lie on the floor at Kohora Hospital due to a lack of available beds.
“The hospital was overwhelmed, lacking enough doctors and essential medical supplies to handle the surge of casualties,” one student alleged.
The protesters also pointed out a shortage of ambulances and stretchers, stating that some injured individuals had to be carried by rescuers in Bokakhat due to inadequate emergency equipment.
“Transporting the injured from Bokakhat to Jorhat took nearly two hours. Such delays can be fatal. We lacked sufficient ambulances and stretchers. We urge the government to enhance the facilities at hospitals in Kohora and Bokakhat for timely emergency care,” a student stated.
Additionally, the protesters criticized the poor road conditions between Kohora and Bokakhat, which they said hindered the transport of the injured.
“The road we had to use to transfer the injured was in terrible shape. The 19-20 km stretch is filled with speed bumps and large potholes, some of which are so deep they could hold fish,” another student claimed.
One protester also criticized the limited frequency of vehicle inspections, suggesting that Motor Vehicle Inspectors only conduct checks on Sundays and calling for inspections to occur throughout the week.
In response, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Swahid Beja Baishnab Model Hospital in Kohora to assess the condition of the injured. He also spoke with the protesting students about their healthcare concerns.
During this interaction, Sarma questioned why students chose to board an overcrowded vehicle, despite being aware of its capacity issues. “Does your college not hold awareness programs about the dangers of overcrowded vehicles? The vehicle was meant for 27 passengers, yet 41 were on board. Those who got in later could see it was overcrowded. Why did they still choose to enter?” he asked.
Sarma instructed college officials to implement awareness programs focusing on road safety and the risks of traveling in overcrowded vehicles.
The students' demands emphasize the need for improved medical infrastructure and emergency response capabilities in Kohora and Bokakhat to facilitate quicker treatment in future emergencies.