Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram): The non-functional MRI at G.B. Pant Hospital, shortage of doctors and gaps in diagnostic and essential medical services came under the direct scrutiny of Lieutenant Governor Dr Dinesh Sharma, who on Saturday ordered a time-bound overhaul of the hospital’s facilities and functioning. During a comprehensive inspection, the LG interacted with patients and attendants to assess treatment, availability of medicines and facilities and the difficulties being faced by them.
Taking serious note of the non-functional MRI machine, Dr Sharma directed that it be repaired on a war footing and made operational at the earliest, with arrangements to ensure its continued functioning. He also ordered immediate repair of ventilators. At the pharmacy, the LG directed officials to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines so that patients are not forced to purchase them from the market. He also sought early operationalisation of the Jan Aushadhi Kendra within the hospital.
The pathology laboratory was also reviewed, with officials directed to identify unavailable essential equipment and prepare time-bound procurement proposals. The Chief Secretary (In-charge) was directed to ensure a fully transparent tendering process for equipment procurement.
Dr Sharma also directed officials to address the shortage of doctors, initiate creation of additional contractual posts and ensure greater stability in the tenure of doctors engaged on contract. The LG called for a concrete action plan to restore essential medical services and make all facilities functional at the earliest. He also directed that cancer and cardiology services be made fully operational.
Patient convenience also figured prominently, with directions for establishing accommodation for attendants within the hospital premises and improving seating and waiting arrangements in the Male Ward.
During visits to the Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Surgery, Medicine and Paediatrics wards, the LG interacted with patients, including tribal patients in the Jarawa Ward, and directed officials to ensure sensitive and prompt care. He further directed preparation of proposals to increase MBBS and PG seats at ANIIMS, aimed at strengthening the availability of specialist doctors and medical services in the Islands.
