Malda, May 12 -- A shocking picture of alleged power theft, illegal occupation of government quarters and administrative negligence has surfaced at Gazole State General Hospital after the hospital reportedly accumulated nearly Rs 16 lakh in outstanding electricity bills.

According to hospital sources, the mounting dues had pushed the institution to the brink of disconnection, with fears that the electricity department could snap power supply at any moment. The crisis prompted senior officials from the district health department to conduct a surprise inspection at the hospital on Monday.

During the inspection, officials allegedly discovered that electricity from the hospital's main meter was being illegally tapped to supply power to several nearby shops. In addition, some residents of the hospital quarters were also found using electricity through illegal hooking connections.

Officials further found that a number of doctors had been occupying government quarters without paying rent, despite reportedly receiving house rent allowances from the government. Following the inspection, authorities sealed four doctors' quarters over alleged non-payment of rent.

Hospital sources said the quarters of Shibnath Mondal, Sharmin Siria, Asif Iqbal and Asif Sarkar were sealed during the drive. Several abandoned and unusable quarters were also locked by the administration.

The inspection team, accompanied by electricity department officials and staff, disconnected all illegal power connections from the hospital premises and surrounding areas. The team also inspected a portion of the hospital boundary wall that had recently been damaged. Officials assured that necessary steps would be taken to repair the wall and strengthen security measures. Another major concern highlighted during the visit was the hospital's defunct X-ray machine, which has reportedly remained out of order for a long period. Officials assured that arrangements would be made for its immediate repair.

The inspection team included Additional Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr Narayan Chandra Das, Block Medical Officer of Health Dr Inzamamul Haque, hospital superintendent Sudip Kundu and officials from the electricity department.

"We have come to inspect the hospital following instructions from the district health department. A detailed investigation report will be submitted and necessary action will be taken after examining all aspects, including the residential quarters and other irregularities," said Kundu.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.