Buxar's Rs 2.47 Crore Paediatric ICU Remains Defunct, Descends into Neglect and Misuse
A 42-bed, state-of-the-art paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Buxar Sadar Hospital, constructed at a cost of Rs 2.47 crore, has remained completely non-functional for over a year, sparking severe concerns about the state of public health infrastructure in the district. Instead of providing life-saving care to critically ill children, the facility has reportedly transformed into a center for anti-social activities and substance abuse, highlighting a tragic waste of public funds.
Grim Reality: From Medical Facility to Dumping Ground
The premises of the PICU present a distressing and alarming picture. The ward is strewn with garbage, including empty liquor bottles, used injection vials, IV solution containers, and various other types of medical waste. Essential electrical wiring and several critical pieces of medical equipment have allegedly been stolen. Structural issues are evident, with cracks developing in the walls and damage to the boundary wall, further compounding the neglect.
Security at the site is virtually non-existent. With no functional gate or security guards in place, the facility remains open to unrestricted entry and rampant misuse. This lack of protection has allowed the space to deteriorate rapidly, moving it further away from its intended purpose.
Failed Promise: Patients Forced to Travel, Families Burdened
The PICU unit was completed nearly two years ago and formally handed over to the Sadar Hospital administration in 2025. It was envisioned as a vital resource to enable critically ill children in Buxar district to access ventilators and intensive care locally, reducing the need for arduous journeys.
However, this promise remains unfulfilled. Patients are still compelled to travel long distances to Patna or seek expensive treatment at private facilities. This situation imposes a significant financial and emotional burden on families, particularly those from economically weaker sections, who must bear the extra costs of travel and private healthcare.
Root Causes: Staff Shortages and Administrative Delays
Despite the substantial state investment, the unit lies idle primarily due to an acute and persistent shortage of specialized medical staff. Officials cite the absence of an anesthesiologist and trained nursing personnel as the fundamental barrier to making the PICU operational. The deteriorating physical condition of the building now also necessitates repairs before any medical services can commence, adding another layer of delay and cost.
Public Outcry and Official Responses
Former Congress MLA from Buxar, Sanjay Kumar Tiwari (alias Munna Tiwari), has publicly criticized the prolonged delay in making the facility functional. Local residents have expressed strong resentment and frustration over the situation.
Vinod Gupta, a local resident, stated, "The government builds the infrastructure but consistently fails to ensure proper staffing and operations, leaving the public without any tangible benefits."
Ramji Singh, a social worker, added, "The facility has become a haven for drug addicts, and people are now afraid to even pass through the area. It's a complete failure of administration."
District Immunization Officer Vinod Pratap Singh confirmed that the lack of specialists is the primary reason for the delay. He emphasized that a PICU cannot function without an anesthesiologist and adequately trained nursing staff.
Buxar Civil Surgeon Dr. Shiv Kumar Prasad Chakravarty acknowledged the multifaceted challenges. He noted that the PICU is located approximately 6 kilometers away from the main Sadar Hospital in a relatively remote area, which complicates logistics and security. Dr. Chakravarty mentioned that requests have been submitted to the electricity department for proper electrification and for the deployment of security guards. He also pointed to the ongoing, broader shortage of doctors in the district but offered assurances that efforts are actively underway to make the unit operational soon. He further informed that a formal inauguration of the unit is expected shortly and that the deputy superintendent has been directed to investigate and address the issues.
The continued non-operation of this critical healthcare facility raises serious questions about planning, execution, and accountability in public health projects, leaving a community in need without a vital lifeline.
