Nazira Residents Oppose Hospital Relocation, Seek Full-Fledged Upgrade

NAZIRA, July 18, 2026 — Residents of Nazira have demanded that the Assam government upgrade the town's government-aided hospital into a full-fledged healthcare facility, while opposing any proposal to relocate or shut it down.

Established in 1944, the centrally located hospital has long served as a key healthcare centre for the town. However, residents say the facility has suffered years of neglect, with an acute shortage of doctors, irregular supply of medicines, deteriorating infrastructure and non-functional ambulances.

Despite these challenges, the hospital continues to treat 100–150 patients daily, providing primary and emergency healthcare to thousands of people in and around Nazira.

The demand follows reports that a section of people has proposed merging the hospital with the Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia Civil Hospital at Ligiripukhuri. Local organisations and residents have strongly opposed the move, arguing that more than 20,000 people depend on the existing hospital and that shifting it would severely affect access to healthcare.

They also cited public health norms recommending one health facility for every 5,000 people, saying the proposal runs contrary to the need for accessible healthcare.

On July 14, a delegation led by Prabhat Barthakur, president of the Sivasagar District Senior Citizens' Association and Nazira Citizens' Committee, along with general secretary Bimal Kumar Agarwala and secretary Wasim Ahmed, met the Joint Director of the Sivasagar District Health Department, Dr Masan Chandra Kalita.

The delegation submitted memoranda addressed to the Chief Minister, Health Minister, Jorhat MP, Director of Health and Family Welfare, District Commissioner and other authorities, demanding immediate upgradation of the hospital and withdrawal of any relocation proposal.