Health Principal Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh uncovers shocking conditions at MGM Hospital during an unannounced inspection.
Ajay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Health Department, made an unplanned visit to MGM Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
JAMSHEDPUR – Health Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh’s unexpected visit to MGM Hospital revealed numerous deficiencies and mismanagement issues.
Ajay Kumar Singh first inspected the emergency ward where several patients were being treated on the floor.
The condition of the operating theater in the emergency ward was deplorable, with a broken air conditioner and peeling plaster on the walls.
Upon seeing the crowded emergency room, he remarked that the environment was more likely to make patients sicker than to heal them.
He ordered all closed rooms in the emergency ward to be opened, which revealed rooms filled with junk.
Singh was shocked and directed that the rooms be cleaned and converted into wards for patients.
Rusting Equipment in Store Room
During the inspection, Singh found several expensive medical devices rusting in storage.
He questioned why such equipment was purchased if it wasn’t going to be used.
When he visited the ICU, the in-charge was absent, prompting Singh to reprimand Superintendent Dr. Ravindra Kumar and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Nakul Chaudhary.
He said, "What should I do with you both, suspend you?" To which Dr. Kumar responded, "Sir, please transfer me from here."
Everyone present was surprised by this exchange.
Review of Hospital Departments
Singh inspected various departments including emergency, X-ray, Ayushman, ICU, dialysis center, gynec ward, burn ward, and pediatric ward.
He found numerous deficiencies and instructed the superintendent, deputy superintendent, and all department heads to rectify these issues within a week or face action.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Juhar Majhi and other doctors were present during the inspection.
Purchasing and Inventory Issues
Singh inspected the store room and inquired about expired medicines.
He suggested auctioning off unusable equipment and criticized the purchase of excessive quantities of gloves.
He emphasized buying only what is needed.
Pediatric Emergency Ward Conditions
Singh expressed displeasure at the waterlogged area outside the pediatric emergency ward and directed that closed rooms in the GP building be utilized.
He was appalled to see women breastfeeding on the floor in the NICU and PICU, stressing the need for proper breastfeeding rooms.
Singh remarked that MGM Hospital’s condition was very poor and needed significant improvement.
Speaking to reporters, Singh stated that the hospital needed better management despite having enough doctors.
He mentioned that the government is providing Rs 5 crore for maintenance and other needs, which will be allocated to all department heads.
He warned that if the hospital’s condition doesn’t improve within a week, departmental action would be taken, holding the superintendent, deputy superintendent, and department heads accountable.
The need for system overhaul and assigning responsibility to those performing well was highlighted.
Inspection of Sadar Hospital
Singh also inspected Sadar Hospital in Khasmahal and noted its better performance compared to MGM Hospital.
He mentioned that Sadar Hospital is ranked second in the country and aims to improve further.
He acknowledged the bed shortage relative to patient numbers and directed an increase of 100 beds.
Singh instructed Civil Surgeon Dr. Juhar Majhi to bring in external doctors for treating serious illnesses, with departmental financial support.
