The Indpur Block Primary Health Centre in Bankura has come under scrutiny after an inspection reportedly found expired medicines, insects in spices used for patients’ meals, inadequate beds and gaps in the management of patients with infectious diseases. The inspection was conducted on Tuesday by Chhatna MLA Satyanarayan Mukhopadhyay, who visited the facility with the block development officer.
According to Anandabazar, the health centre serves not only Indpur block but also parts of Taldangra, Chhatna, Bankura I and Khatra blocks. Local residents have previously raised complaints about irregularities at the facility, but the report said conditions had not improved.
During the inspection, the MLA visited the hospital kitchen and reportedly found insects in containers holding spices used to prepare food for patients. He then inspected the medicine storage area, where he alleged that a large quantity of expired medicines had been kept alongside usable supplies. The report does not specify the names, quantities or expiry dates of the medicines.
The inspection also raised concerns about patient accommodation and infection control. Several patients suffering from dengue or malaria were reportedly being treated without mosquito nets. The MLA further alleged that some patients were sleeping on the hospital floor because beds were unavailable. The report said the facility lacks sufficient infrastructure to keep patients with infectious diseases in separate areas.
Mukhopadhyay also spoke to some temporary workers and was reportedly informed about alleged irregularities in the use of different hospital funds. He reprimanded hospital staff and officials and informed the Bankura district magistrate and the district’s chief medical officer, according to the report.
The MLA called for the suspension and strict punishment of the block health officer responsible for the facility. He also said he would approach the state health minister and the chief minister over the matter. His remarks included a warning that any fresh illness or death linked to expired medicines or contaminated food would raise questions about the state government’s responsibility. These allegations have not been independently established in the material supplied for this report.
The block health officer has not issued a statement, according to Anandabazar. Bankura Health District Deputy Chief Medical Officer Sajal Biswas acknowledged that the hospital faced shortages of beds and other infrastructure. He said the facility did not have adequate arrangements to isolate patients with infectious diseases and added that the other complaints would be examined before necessary action was taken.
The health administration’s review will determine whether the allegations relating to medicines, food preparation, patient segregation and fund utilisation are substantiated. The next steps will depend on the findings of that inquiry and any action ordered by the district health authorities.
