Panisagar, July 29: The healthcare services at Panisagar Sub-Divisional Hospital have once again come under sharp criticism after the hospital’s outpatient department (OPD) reportedly remained closed, forcing several patients to return home without receiving treatment.

According to hospital sources, OPD services in the Eye Department could not be provided as the department’s optometrist, Malvika Singh, was attending an official meeting. However, patients and local residents expressed strong dissatisfaction, alleging that the hospital failed to inform the public in advance about the closure.

Many patients, including those who had travelled long distances, said they faced unnecessary hardship after reaching the hospital only to find the OPD closed. They argued that prior notification would have saved them both time and expense.

Local residents further alleged that the Eye Department OPD functions only twice a week, and even on scheduled days, services are frequently suspended due to meetings or other reasons. They also claimed that the overall healthcare system at Panisagar Sub-Divisional Hospital is deteriorating because of an acute shortage of doctors, irregular medical services, and inadequate infrastructure.

Expressing concern over the situation, local residents and patients have urged the Health Department to intervene immediately by appointing adequate doctors and healthcare staff, ensuring regular OPD services, and improving patient-friendly healthcare facilities at the hospital. They stressed that immediate action is necessary to restore public confidence in the hospital’s healthcare services.