AGARTALA, August 28 (TIWN): Kailasahar city today observed a 24 hrs strike protesting against a recent order to transfer the RGM Sub-Divisional Hospital to Bhagabannagar District Hospital.

The strike was observed across Kailashahar township since this morning in protest against the transfer of RGM Hospital to Bhagabannagar District Hospital. Around 20,000 people of Kailasahar depends upon this sub divisional hospital for treatment for many years.

A recent decision of the state government decided to transfer all the departments to Bhagabanagar District Hospital. Larger scale of protests would be initiated in the days ahead unless the government resolved to take proper steps this end, local MLA and Congress leader Birajit Sinha said.

The out-patient department, wards and other major departments were transferred to the new location. The old facility is currently operating simple OPD facilities. The issue created confusion and dissent among the people as this newly shifted hospital is about 6km far away from city, MLA Sinha said.

The strike was held as a part of the protest of the congress party against the whimsical decision of the government, he stated. Normal life came to a standstill today due to the strike.