Critical care disrupted as nine machines damaged in deliberate attack
Silchar, Assam – Two staff members of the Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) have been arrested in connection with the vandalism of nine dialysis machines, a shocking incident that disrupted life-saving care for dozens of patients.
“During interrogation, both admitted their involvement. We are now investigating whether hospital brokers or other parties may also be involved,” Mahatta said, vowing strict action against those disrupting essential medical services.
On August 10, unidentified miscreants reportedly broke into the dialysis centre by smashing window panes and went on to destroy nine out of 14 German-made dialysis machines, along with beds and computers. The centre caters to 30–40 patients daily, many of whom depend on the affordable treatment it provides.
The attack has caused severe disruption, forcing patients to seek costly alternatives in private facilities.
Calling it a “clear case of sabotage”, SMCH Principal Dr Bhaskar Gupta said that senior health officials, including the Director of Medical Education and the National Health Mission Director, had been informed. “The calculated destruction suggests a deliberate attempt to cripple critical dialysis services,” he said.
With the motive still unclear, police are probing whether financial interests from outside the hospital may have driven the sabotage.