The Superintendent of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Dr Devojit Choudhary, has issued a detailed clarification following allegations that a patient was left unattended inside an ambulance for several hours within the hospital premises.
Addressing the controversy, Choudhary stated that the patient, identified as Pranab Bora, arrived at the CN Casualty at 4:49 AM. He explained that the patient was suffering from quadriparesis after a fall at home and had been undergoing treatment at Tezpur Medical College and Hospital (TMCH) for nine days on oral medication. According to the Superintendent, the patient was referred from TMCH around 10:00 PM and subsequently reached GMCH at 4:49 AM.
Choudhary said the patient was immediately attended to by the Neurosurgery department upon arrival. However, he noted that no beds were available under the concerned unit at that time due to heavy occupancy. A bed later became vacant at the old GMCH building under Unit 7 of the Neurosurgery department, after which the patient was shifted and admitted to Bed No. 31.
The Superintendent further stated that the patient’s attendant, Pranjal Bora, was present during the issuance of the clarification.
Responding to reports of an altercation between the patient’s relatives and a duty doctor, Choudhary said the issue arose from a miscommunication. He explained that a new set of attendants repeatedly asked similar questions, which led to confusion. According to him, the matter has since been resolved amicably.
Highlighting the broader context, Choudhary pointed out that GMCH receives a large number of referred patients daily, resulting in significant pressure on available beds. While acknowledging that immediate accommodation can sometimes be difficult due to heavy inflow, he emphasised that the hospital ensures arrangements are ultimately made, even if there is a brief delay.
