MGM tragedy saddening, government stands with victims: Banna Gupta

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: Former Health Minister Banna Gupta expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident at MGM Hospital, stating that the government stands in solidarity with the victims and their families. He criticized former minister and current MLA Saryu Roy for politicizing the issue and demanded a public apology from him. “Instead of indulging in political rhetoric, Saryu Roy should apologize publicly and stop obstructing public welfare efforts,” Gupta said.

Gupta recounted that during his tenure, he recognized the deteriorated condition of the old MGM hospital building and initiated the construction of a new facility at Sakchi. He also pushed for operationalizing the hospital premises at Dimna, starting with the OPD and then planning a full shift of services. “I had directed the complete transfer of hospital services and began significant steps towards this goal,” he added.

However, Gupta alleged that Saryu Roy consistently created hurdles in the hospital project. “He never visited the hospital during his tenure as Cabinet Minister or addressed water and electricity issues. But when efforts to complete and shift the hospital gained pace, he began interfering—halting borewell work and delaying construction by pressuring officials,” Gupta claimed. This, according to him, led to the current crisis due to lack of drinking water and incomplete relocation.

He assured that the Hemant Soren-led government is sensitive to the tragedy and committed to shifting MGM Hospital to its new premises soon to ensure better healthcare for the people.