Ceilings collapse in Lakhimpur Cancer Centre; probe demanded

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: After the collapse of false ceilings in one building of Lakhimpur Medical College and Hospital (LMCH) a few days back, similar incident took place in Lakhimpur Cancer Centre too. On Saturday evening, two ceilings in the fore part of the Emergency Ward of the Lakhimpur Cancer Centre detached from the superstructure of the building and fell down. At that time, there was a spell of light shower with light storm and the impact of the rain water is considered to be the prime reason behind the collapse of the two ceilings. However, no casualty has been reported due to the incident.

Notably, around five ceilings, structured in front of the Ultrasound Room of the LMCH, collapsed on May 13 and a heavy amount of water penetrated into the building. That incident wreaked sensation across the district and people raised question about the quality of work implemented by Goutam Construction, the contractor, while constructing the buildings of the LMCH.

Similarly, massive reaction prevailed across the district in the wake of the collapse of the two ceilings in Lakhimpur Cancer Centre too. This incident also roused doubt and suspicion over the quality of work implemented by Larsen and Turbo (L&T) company which constructed the building of the Lakhimpur Cancer Centre with the investment of a fund amounting to Rs 127 crore. At present, people have expressed hesitancy to undergo treatment in both medical institutions being apprehensive about any unexpected accident in the buildings concerned.

Various organizations and conscious people of Lakhimpur district have demanded the State Government to launch a probe into the incident of ceilings collapsing in Lakhimpur Cancer Centre and the quality of work implemented by Larsen and Turbo. In this regard, they have sought immediate intervention of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Health Minister Keshab Mahanta.

However, Deputy Commissioner of Lakhimpur, Sumit Sattawan sent a PWD Engineer to inspect and take stock of the situation in Lakhimpur Cancer Centre in the wake of the collapse of the ceilings. In this regard, while contacted, the Deputy Commissioner told this correspondent that that was an unfortunate incident.

"Actually, a minor repair work was going on in that part of the building. All of a sudden, a storm came due to which the labourers could not complete it. It is an unfortunate incident, nothing to do with the poor quality of work. Also it happened not due to the poor quality of materials being used. The company will repair the damage soon," the Deputy Commissioner added.

On the other hand, allegation of harassment being faced by patients has been made against Lakhimpur Cancer Centre as doctors are not present on time. On Sunday, a cancer patient from Phoolbari area of the district, who came to the medical institution around 8:30 am to undergo treatment, allegedly had to wait for an hour outside. He was allegedly not allowed to enter the building on the pretext of non-availability of doctor at that time.

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