Buxar: A 42-bed, state-of-the-art paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Buxar Sadar Hospital, built at a cost of Rs 2.47 crore, has remained non-functional for over a year, raising serious concerns about public health infrastructure in the district. Instead of serving critically ill children, the facility has reportedly become a hub for anti-social activities and substance abuse.The premises present a grim picture. The ward is littered with garbage, including empty liquor bottles, used injection vials, IV solution containers and other medical waste. Key electrical wiring and several essential pieces of equipment have allegedly been stolen. Cracks have developed in the walls and the boundary wall is damaged.Security arrangements are virtually absent. With no gate or guards in place, the facility remains open to unrestricted entry and misuse. The PICU unit was completed nearly two years ago and handed over to the Sadar Hospital administration in 2025. It was expected to become operational, enabling critically ill children in the district to access ventilators and ICU care locally. However, patients are still forced to travel to Patna or seek expensive private treatment, increasing the financial burden on economically weaker families.Despite significant state investment, the unit remains idle due to an acute shortage of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff, raising questions about planning and execution.Former Congress MLA from Buxar Sanjay Kumar Tiwari alias Munna Tiwari criticised the delay. Local residents also expressed strong resentment. A resident, Vinod Gupta, said the govt builds infrastructure but fails to ensure staffing and operations, leaving the public without benefits. Social worker Ramji Singh added that the facility has become a haven for drug addicts and people are now afraid to pass through the area.District immunization officer Vinod Pratap Singh cited the lack of specialists as the primary reason for the delay. He said that a PICU cannot function without an anesthesiologist and trained nursing staff, and the deteriorating condition of the building now requires repairs before operations can begin.Buxar civil surgeon Dr Shiv Kumar Prasad Chakravarty acknowledged the challenges. He said the PICU is located about 6 km away from Sadar Hospital in a relatively remote area. He added that requests have been made to the electricity department for proper electrification and for deployment of security guards. He also pointed to the ongoing shortage of doctors in the district but assured that efforts are underway to make the unit operational soon. He further informed that the formal inauguration of the unit is expected shortly and that the deputy superintendent has been asked to look into the matter.
