Ceiling collapses at NRS Medical College CCU, 12 critically ill patients escape
Kolkata: In a disturbing incident, a portion of the ceiling collapsed inside the Critical Care Unit (CCU) of the Medicine Department at Nil Ratan Sircar (NRS) Medical College and Hospital on Friday, raising serious safety concerns about the infrastructure of government-run hospitals across West Bengal.
The incident occurred in the UNB building of the hospital, where cracks had reportedly developed earlier across walls and pillars, indicating structural distress. Hospital sources said a portion of the ceiling gave way, damaging parts of the floor and raising alarm among patients and staff. At least 12 critically ill patients admitted to the CCU narrowly escaped injury.
In response, authorities immediately shut down the CCU and shifted patients to other units within the hospital. Officials confirmed that no new admissions would be permitted in the affected section until repairs are carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD).
The latest incident comes close on the heels of the recent lift malfunction episode at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, further intensifying scrutiny over maintenance and safety standards in state-run healthcare facilities. Reacting to the development, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya questioned the state government’s handling of hospital infrastructure.
In a statement, he alleged that repeated warnings were being ignored and asked how many lives would be put at risk before corrective measures are taken. The incident has also reignited political criticism directed at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the Health portfolio. Opposition leaders have alleged that recurring infrastructural failures—from lift malfunctions to structural collapses—point to systemic negligence and lack of accountability, reports UNI.
Hospital authorities, however, maintained that prompt action prevented any casualties and assured that necessary repairs would be undertaken on priority. An internal assessment of the building’s condition is also expected as part of follow-up measures. The episode has once again spotlighted the urgent need for regular safety audits and infrastructure upgrades in critical healthcare institutions across the state.
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