Paediatrician shortage at Unakoti District hospital causes concern

Unakoti District Hospital has been without its sole paediatrician for over three days, creating a crisis in paediatric care. The absence has left many parents—especially those from low-income families—struggling to secure essential medical attention for their children.

Sources reveal that children from across the district, including those from remote areas, continue arriving at the hospital, only to face limited treatment options. Without a paediatrician, many parents are forced to rely on general physicians who lack specialized training in child healthcare.

"Parents are left with no choice but to admit their children to the hospital, even in the absence of a specialist," said one source, noting that the financial burden and long travel distances to other facilities make this a difficult situation. Parents of children already admitted expressed frustration, stating that the paediatrician has been unavailable for nearly four days, leaving only non-specialist doctors to attend to their children.

Attempts to contact the hospital’s Medical Superintendent (MS) for clarification have gone unanswered, heightening concerns about transparency and accountability within the hospital administration. This shortage raises critical questions about the state’s commitment to a “health revolution” and its vision of transforming Tripura into a regional healthcare hub.

For a district-level hospital like Unakoti, ensuring 24/7 access to essential specialists, such as paediatricians, is imperative. When a specialist is on leave, the administration has a duty to arrange for a replacement to maintain continuous care and prevent disruptions in critical services.