Health workers at TB Hospital in Darjeeling, which was converted into a quarantine centre, on Friday refused to accept personal protective equipment (PPE) sets and masks provided by BJP MP Raju Bista, citing an order from higher authorities.

The Darjeeling MP also visited the district hospital here and the TB hospital in Kurseong on Friday. Officials of these two facilities accepted Bista’s donation. “I visited the TB Hospital here and spoke to two employees from outside the gate. I wanted to provide PPE kits and masks but they refused and said there were orders from above not to accept anything from outside,” said Bista.

The MP said he was caught by surprise as other quarantine centres had accepted the kits given by him. “I have not taken the issue seriously. When they refused, I told them it was fine with me and I would provide the same to those who are in need,” added Bista.

GTA chief Anit Thapa said the hill body had issued such an order. “We are accepting PPE kits but we want them to be handed over to the executive director of health, GTA, to ensure their quality. We need to be extra careful with frontline health workers,” he added.

The GTA head said “PPE kits of different quality” had flooded the market. “If there is something wrong with the PPE kits, the GTA will be blamed.”

Bista also alleged that there was a complete lack of coordination among the Darjeeling district administration, GTA and the state government. “I found out that test reports of those at the Kurseong quarantine centre had not come even after 14 days. This is a major concern,” said Bista.