BJP MLA Maithili Thakur Voices Dissatisfaction Over Health Minister's Reply on Hospital Conditions
In a notable development within the Bihar Legislative Assembly, first-time BJP MLA Maithili Thakur from Alinagar in Darbhanga district has raised serious concerns about the dilapidated state of a government hospital in her constituency. During a session on Friday, Thakur, a renowned folk singer, posed a starred question highlighting the poor condition of the facility and expressed dissatisfaction with the response provided by Health Minister Mangal Pandey, who is also from her party.
Hospital Infrastructure and Staffing Issues Highlighted
Thakur pointed out that the two-room hospital building is in a severely dilapidated condition, contradicting the minister's claim that it only requires minor repairs. She emphasized that she had personally inspected the hospital and found the structure to be unsafe and inadequate. Furthermore, she noted a critical staffing shortage: while the hospital previously had two MBBS doctors to treat patients, it now relies on two Ayush doctors, which she argued compromises the quality of healthcare services.
"I am not completely satisfied with the answer," Thakur stated during the assembly proceedings. "Because it is written that the building is not in a bad condition. It just needs to be repaired." She reiterated her demand for the immediate posting of two MBBS doctors to address the medical needs of the local population.
Impact on Local Communities and Political Context
The MLA explained that the hospital serves approximately 50,000 people from around 15 panchayats in her constituency and could also benefit residents of the adjoining Ghanshyampur block. This underscores the broader implications of the hospital's condition on public health in the region. Thakur, who hails from the Mithila culture of Darbhanga and Madhubani districts, has gained attention early in her political career, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In her supplementary questions, Thakur referenced her long-standing awareness of Health Minister Mangal Pandey, mentioning that she had heard about him since her childhood days. She earnestly requested the minister to take concrete steps to improve the hospital's infrastructure and staffing, emphasizing the urgency of the situation for her constituents.
Assembly Proceedings and Minister's Response
During the session, Speaker Prem Kumar, also from the BJP, inquired if Thakur had received the online reply to her question. She confirmed receipt but proceeded to voice her supplementary concerns, indicating that the official response did not align with the ground reality she witnessed. Health Minister Mangal Pandey's reply asserted that the hospital had been repaired, but Thakur's firsthand account painted a different picture, highlighting a disconnect between government claims and actual conditions.
This incident sheds light on ongoing challenges in Bihar's healthcare system, particularly in rural areas, and raises questions about accountability and responsiveness within the state government. Thakur's outspoken stance, despite being a newcomer and from the same party as the minister, reflects a commitment to addressing grassroots issues and advocating for her electorate's welfare.
