Inspection reveals lack of security, essential medicines, and inadequate facilities at MGM Hospital.
Key Points:
– Only two home guards provide security at the gynaecology department.
– Staff face safety issues due to lack of transportation for night shifts.
– Department lacks basic medical supplies and sanitation facilities.
JAMSHEDPUR – MGM Hospital’s gynecology department is struggling with inadequate security, essential supplies, and overcrowding following a recent inspection.
During an inspection by National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Special Rapporteur Suchitra Sinha, doctors at the MGM Hospital highlighted several problems in the gynaecology department.
They revealed that only two home guards are responsible for security, and they often flee during emergencies.
Junior doctors also expressed concerns about the lack of hostel facilities, forcing them to commute from other locations.
They stated that night shifts are particularly difficult without transportation provided by the hospital.
“If the hospital arranges transport, it would help ensure our safety,” said one of the junior doctors.
The department is also struggling to control the number of visitors.
Doctors reported that up to five people sometimes accompany a single patient, creating a chaotic atmosphere.
Staff members have faced hostility when asking visitors to leave, with some becoming aggressive.
Sanitation and Supplies Crisis
The inspection revealed severe sanitation issues in the department.
Doctors described the toilets as unhygienic, and key medical supplies such as emergency drugs are missing in critical areas like the labour room and High Dependency Unit (HDU).
Additionally, the patient elevator in the department has been non-functional for some time, adding further strain on the department.
Handling of rape cases has also become problematic due to the lack of HIV testing kits, which delays crucial investigations.
The hospital also lacks a proper feedback system or information counters for patient inquiries.
Blood Supply Shortages and Equipment Problems
Doctors explained that blood supply shortages at the hospital’s blood bank have led to further complications.
Patients needing blood transfusions are often directed to Jamshedpur Blood Bank, which poses significant challenges, particularly for those without family support.
A staff member noted the difficulty, saying, “We need a dedicated person to monitor blood stocks to avoid unnecessary delays.”
The department is further hampered by the absence of several key machines, which complicates treatment.
Overcrowding and Infection Risks
The gynaecology ward was originally designed for 60 beds but has since expanded to 100.
However, the ward receives more than 150 women daily, with over 20 deliveries occurring each day.
Due to the shortage of beds, many patients are forced to lie on the floor, increasing the risk of infections.
The post-operative ward faces similar issues, with overcrowding and limited space leading to a higher infection rate.
Essential equipment such as oxygen monitors and sterilisation machines are either missing or not functioning properly.
Sanitation workers clean the ward only twice a day, although it requires constant maintenance due to high patient traffic.
Hospital Management Response
Following the inspection, NHRC Special Rapporteur Suchitra Sinha expressed dissatisfaction with the hospital’s condition and attempted to contact the hospital’s superintendent, Dr. Shikha Rani.
However, despite repeated calls, Dr. Rani did not attend the inspection, leading to frustration among the staff and NHRC officials.
A meeting was eventually held with Dr. Rani, the head of the department (HOD), and other hospital officials to discuss the issues.
Dr. Rani stated that she had recently taken over as superintendent and promised to resolve the problems soon.
“We are actively working on these issues, and many of them will be fixed shortly,” she assured.
