Kokrajhar Medical College Hospital (KMCH), a new establishment in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), is grappling with severe challenges stemming from its non-compliance with the National Medical Council (NMC) guidelines. The issue was brought to light by Assam Cabinet Minister and Chairman of the KMCH Management Committee, Urkhao Gwra Brahma.
The NMC has levied a penalty of Rs 2 lakh on KMCH for failing to meet its guidelines for the 2023-24 tenure. A critical shortfall identified is the patient intake; while the hospital’s intake capacity is 100 students, the NMC mandates 800 patients per day. KMCH, however, has been registering only about 300 patients daily. Consequently, the NMC not only imposed a Rs 2 lakh fine but also suggested reducing the student intake capacity to 50. If unresolved, these issues threaten the hospital’s NMC accreditation.
Compounding the crisis is the controversy surrounding the proposed amalgamation of KMCH with Rupnath Brahma Civil Hospital (RNB). This merger has sparked public protests in Kokrajhar. Minister UG Brahma condemned these protests, stressing the need for public support during this critical juncture.
KMCH Principal Atul Ch Baro has appealed to the local community for cooperation to ensure the survival and future of the medical college. He underscored the importance of community support to address the current crisis and improve patient intake, which is crucial for maintaining the college’s accreditation and operational viability.
