Report Highlights Shortcomings and Recommendations for Improved Medical Facilities
JAMSHEDPUR – Suchitra Singha, Special Rapporteur of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and former IAS officer, conducted an inspection of Sadar Hospital in Jamshedpur.
She collected data on the hospital’s deficiencies and submitted her findings to the NHRC.
The inspection covered all departments, with discussions held with the Hospital Superintendent to address the identified issues and improve medical services.
Key shortcomings included a shortage of specialist doctors, such as general physicians, orthopedic surgeons, gynecologists, and other specialists, resulting in patients being deprived of adequate medical care.
Currently, the hospital has two operation theatres, but there is a need for a modular operation theatre to enhance service quality.
The Civil Surgeon stated that a demand letter for a modular operation theatre had been sent to the Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department of Jharkhand, as per instructions from the Principal Secretary.
The Malnutrition Treatment Center at Sadar Hospital is not operational due to space constraints and lack of departmental approval.
Singha emphasized the importance of having at least one functional Malnutrition Treatment Center.
The hospital also faces a shortage of essential machines and equipment, including an ultrasound machine, which is currently operated under an MOU with Health Map.
Sadar Hospital lacks its own ultrasound machine and needs an additional portable USG machine.
A 300-mA digital X-ray machine has been in use for the past 10 years, and there is a need for the latest ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI machines.
The hospital has four dialysis machines but requires three more to meet patient demand.
Additionally, the hospital’s blood bank lacks a separator unit despite having available space.
A 100-bed pre-fabricated hospital building is under construction behind the current facility.
Once completed, this will allow previously non-operational departments, such as Geriatric, Milk Bank, and MTC, to become functional.
During her inspection, Singha also reviewed the OPD, emergency ward, dialysis center, women’s ward, pediatric ward, ICU, and other departments.
