Shortage of doctors, space hits patients at Medical College Hospital

KOZHIKODE: Shortage of doctors and lack of adequate space has been the bane at the casualty wing of the Medical college hospital (MCH) here and it is taking a heavy toll on patients.

According to Sethu, a relative of a patient, lack of anesthetists round the clock is making the patient suffer for hours. “The orthopaedic section has not got sufficient number of anesthetists. Similarly, lack of adequate space is a grave concern. Thousands of patients and those who are accompanying them are being crammed there,” he rued.

Another major grievance is that authorities are asking for mobile phones or watches as a pledge while giving stretchers and wheelchairs to carry the patients.

“It’s sad that no attender is there to handle stretchers or wheelchairs and the patient’s relatives have to manage. Still, the authorities are demanding valuables as a pledge while taking trolleys,” said Abdurahman from Koyilandy.

Dr M.K. Raveendranath, casualty Superintendent responded that shortage of anesthetists was a chronic problem existing for a long time now.

“Still there is a shortage of 18 anesthetists. The hospital development society had recently appointed an anesthetist on a temporary basis at the orthopaedic OP,” he explained. He added that on an average, nearly 2000 patients were coming to the casualty from the four districts.

“There is no such thing that we demand mobile phones or watches in exchange for giving a stretcher. The allegation is false. Only identity cards are being asked. This is to ensure the safe return of the stretcher. In many cases relatives abandon the stretcher after their use or even carry it to the vehicle along with the patient,” he said.