Amid a push for development in Assam’s healthcare sector, the gap between physical treatment and mental well-being is becoming increasingly evident.
In today’s healthcare landscape, hospitals are meant to be sanctuaries for healing, where patients can recover in comfort with attentive care. But for some patients, the experience can feel more like confinement. Reports from various hospitals, including some of Assam’s major medical facilities, reveal complaints about restrictive practices and lack of basic amenities. Patients and their families are voicing concerns about hospital environments that, rather than aiding recovery, feel isolating and even prison-like.
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Amid a push for development in Assam’s healthcare sector, the gap between physical treatment and mental well-being is becoming increasingly evident. This report examines the voices of patients, the rationale of hospital authorities, and the insights of healthcare experts to provide a holistic look at this pressing issue.
Hospitals are already stressful environments, but for some patients, the experience is compounded by what they feel is a lack of attention to mental health. Patients in several facilities across Assam have expressed frustrations, particularly about policies that confine them to beds and limit their ability to move around or engage in any recreational activities.
Talking to GPlus, a patient in a renowned hospital in Guwahati said, “I was admitted just for a day to monitor my uric acid levels, but my stay kept getting extended. It felt like I was trapped. They kept me confined to a bed, and I wasn’t allowed to go outside or even walk around freely. The whole environment felt more like a prison than a hospital.” The patient highlighted how the sterile, restrictive atmosphere contributed to his sense of isolation, and said that even small efforts from the hospital to make patients feel comfortable would make a difference.
Another patient in the same facility expressed similar frustrations. “The way they treat us feels almost experimental. I wasn’t even allowed outside for fresh air, which was frustrating. Hospitals are supposed to be places of healing, yet we are treated like we’re on lockdown,” he said. This patient added that he often felt ignored by the nursing staff, and that at times, it felt as though patient care wasn’t a priority.
The experiences of patients are not limited to just confinement, but extend to the lack of basic amenities that could make their stay more tolerable. A family member accompanying one patient said, “There’s nothing here—no TV, no comfortable seating, nothing to engage the patient or the attendants. The place feels lifeless. It’s almost as if the hospital isn’t interested in making anyone feel better.” Such complaints reveal an environment that feels more like enforced isolation rather than compassionate care.
However, talking to GPlus, a senior official from the Assam Health Department said, “Patients are in the hospital for treatment and need to be monitored to avoid exposure to infections. This is why we restrict movement and do not allow them to roam freely or have access to certain areas. It’s a safety protocol to ensure their health and that of others,” he said. According to the department, the strict hospital environment is designed to maintain hygiene standards and minimize the spread of infectious diseases.
One hospital administrator explained, “We understand that the atmosphere is sterile, and that it can be uncomfortable, but we must prioritise infection control. There are risks associated with allowing patients and attendants too much freedom. If an infection were to spread, it would impact all patients and staff.” The administrator also pointed out that the lack of recreational facilities was a consequence of limited funding and space constraints.
Mental health professionals argue that the isolation and restriction described by patients are indeed harmful, and that a supportive, comforting environment is critical for recovery. Studies in healthcare have shown that mental well-being directly impacts physical health, and that patients who feel cared for in a holistic sense recover more quickly and experience fewer complications.
A city based psychiatrist who has worked in hospital settings, talking to GPlus said, “Patients need more than medical care; they need an environment that supports their mental health. A restrictive, sterile atmosphere can lead to anxiety and even depression, particularly for patients with longer stays. Small interventions—such as recreational areas or even brief periods outside—could make a significant difference.”
"In Scandinavian countries, the concept of “healing architecture” is often integrated into hospital design. These hospitals include natural light, greenery, and open spaces as part of their design philosophy, understanding that such elements contribute to patient well-being. Infection control is still strictly maintained, but without sacrificing the environment. These approaches could offer a valuable blueprint for Assam’s hospitals, especially in terms of creating spaces that prioritize both safety and comfort", the psychiatrist added.
He further said, "In some parts of India and around the world, hospitals have adopted practices that balance patient safety with comfort. For example, certain hospitals in Delhi and Mumbai have introduced patient lounges with access to entertainment options, as well as small indoor gardens and even roof access where patients can enjoy fresh air. While not common, these facilities recognise that a comforting environment aids healing."
As Assam’s hospitals continue to grow and adapt, patient feedback should play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare. Confined spaces, restrictive policies, and lack of amenities may help in infection control, but they risk alienating the very people hospitals are meant to serve. Balancing safety with comfort, physical health with mental well-being, and efficiency with compassion is essential for building a healthcare system that truly values its patients.
