Air conditioners add to Kozhikode Medical College woes

KOZHIKODE: The air conditioners of two major operation theatres in the Institute of Maternal and Child Health of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital are defunct for the last two months, putting the lives of hundreds of patients admitted in jeopardy, according to sources in MCH.

On an average 16 cesarean section surgeries take place at IMCH. A major refuge for the middle and lower middle class women for deliveries, more than hundred women get admitted to IMCH every day.

The poor air conditioning has resulted in more than 10 patients developing serious infections. Many others have also contracted fever, according to sources in MCH. There were allegations that one patient died when the infection worsened.

All surgeries were performed without proper cooling inside the theatres, which are closed from all the sides without ventilation, after the air-conditioners stopped functioning, sources said.

Meanwhile, a senior doctor who preferred anonymity told DC that the chances of patients catching infection from the staff have increased now. "This has resulted in the worsening of the condition of a few patients whose immunity to such infections is comparatively low," the doctor said.

"It is an obvious that we cannot resist the advancing temperature without an artificial system like air conditioner or a cooler." The authorities should take immediate steps to improve the situation because the safety and care of patients are utmost important for the hospital, the doctor said.

"We had been pressing the doctors to know the reason why my sister developed an infection after she was admitted here for delivery," said Vimal Raj, a bystander of a patient.

However, IMCH superintendent M. K.  Mohankumar told Deccan Chronicle that he was yet to be informed about the health issues faced by patients due to the defunct air conditioners including the alleged death of a patient.

The repair of air conditioners got delayed due to lack of funds, he said, adding that he would inquire into the issues and would address them as soon as possible.