Hailakandi, June 6: The Congress has launched movement against poor health services in Karimganj district.

North Karimganj MLA Kamalakshya Dey Purkayastha told The Telegraph that health services in the district were "struggling". He said the Karimganj civil hospital was upgraded to a 200-bed hospital from 65 on paper, but in reality, nothing has been done.

Dey Purkayastha said only 27 doctors were working whereas 50 were required, including specialists and demanded immediate posting of doctors and paramedical staff.

A Congress team, led by Dey Purkayastha and district president Rajat Chakraborty gheraoed the joint director of health services, Krishna Kemprai, yesterday and submitted a memorandum urging her to develop the health scenario of the district. Chakraborty said two patients died on May 21 in the hospital because of non-availability of doctors there. He demanded an inquiry into the incident.

"The doctors come late and behave badly with patients," he alleged and urged the joint director to take steps.

Kemprai, too, admitted that there was a shortage of doctors, specialists and paramedics which hampered health services in the district.

She said they had written to the higher authorities many times to provide doctors but no action was taken and the number of beds had also not been increased.