Guwahati, 30 July (HS): Four patients were seriously injured after a portion of the ceiling collapsed inside the Plastic Surgery Department of the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on Thursday, triggering panic among patients and hospital staff.

According to initial reports, a section of the ceiling suddenly gave way and fell on patients undergoing treatment inside the ward. Hospital staff rushed to the spot and immediately assisted the injured. The hospital administration provided prompt medical attention and officials said all four patients are in stable condition.

Reports indicate that the ceiling of the Plastic Surgery Department had been in poor condition for a considerable period. Preliminary suspicion suggests that inadequate maintenance and delayed repairs may have contributed to the incident.

The mishap has raised fresh concerns over the maintenance of infrastructure at one of Assam's premier government healthcare institutions. Further details are awaited as officials are expected to conduct an inquiry into the cause of the ceiling collapse.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash