Kozhikode hospital seeks Pollution Control Board fund

KOZHIKODE: The lone NABH-accredited government hospital in Malabar is banking on the Kerala Pollution Control Board to set up a sewage treatment plant (STP) to save its accreditation.

Though the previous government had promised that funds would be earmarked in the budget, nothing materialized for the Government hospital for women and children at Kottaparamba. With NABH inspection due in December, authorities are looking hopefully towards the PCB.

“'50 lakh is needed to set up the STP. During the NABH audit inspection in January, the PCB had given us a temporary nod on condition that the STP would be set up soon,” said the hospital superintendent Dr K.C Rameshan. The proposal for PCB assistance had been sent and it was even brought to the attention of the health minister, who is also the chairman of the board.

Currently, the bio-medical waste from this 295-bed hospital is being sent to the IMAGE plant of IMA, food waste to the Corporation and other paper garbage burned in the incinerator here.

According to PCB norms, the waste water from the hospital should be used for gardening after treatment. "PCB had sanctioned Rs 2 crore for the government medical college hospital for this. We are hopeful as the hospital had won the board's award for best hospital in the state under women and children category," said Dr Rameshan. The hospital also won the third best 'Kayakalp' award in the state instituted by the centre for cleanliness.

The specialty hospital, established 113 years ago is gearing up for major development including a labour room and special newborn care unit (SNCU).
 The Central government and National Health Mission (NHM) have set aside Rs 12 crore for the purpose.