Water crisis hits Jiribam DH, patients in distress
Source: Chronicle News Service

Jiribam, August 01 2025: Patients at Jiribam District Hospital (DH), the only hospital serving the entire district, are facing a severe water crisis, forcing them to purchase potable water from own sources.

In some cases, patients and their attendants are compelled to bring water from their homes for use in toilets and daily needs due to unavailability of water in the hospital premises.

Despite repeated complaints to the hospital authorities, the issue remains unresolved.

According to a patient's attendant at the male ward, "There is not a single drop of water in the hospital rooms or toilets, making it extremely difficult for both patients and their families".

The shortage of water has led to unhygienic conditions, particularly in the toilets, raising serious concerns about the spread of infections.

It was only after persistent requests that the hospital provided a limited water supply around 9:30 pm on Thursday night.

In addition to the water scarcity, construction activities at the hospital have come to a complete standstill.

The under-construction upper floors of the hospital building has been abandoned whereas the second floor is currently being occupied by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, a situation that some hospital staff attributed to halting of the construction work.

Hospital staff also revealed that the water pump is non-functional.

Due to the absence of dedicated personnel for operating the pump, doctors and staff reportedly contribute small amounts from their salaries to hire a worker for water maintenance tasks.

Compounding the problem, the hospital's water tank is situated in an overgrown site, making it difficult to access, especially after dusk.

While the previously available water was barely-sufficient for the hospital's needs, the additional usage by the CRPF personnel has further strained the already limited supply.

Many patients have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of the hospital and urged authorities concerned to take immediate steps to resolve the crisis for the sake of welfare of the patients.

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