Bidar: Disgusted with the functioning of the Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS), a resident tried to hand over a lock with key to Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shivanand Patil, asking him to either set right the problems or close down the institute. “We are fed up with the situation here, we have submitted many petitions but nothing has improved. There are no medicines or proper treatment for patients... Please shift the entire staff to some other hospital, otherwise close it.” he told the minister when he was coming out of BIMS after inspecting it along with Minister for Medical Sciences E. Tukaram.
An embarrassed minister while admitting there was a need to improve the situation, asked the complainant to meet Mr Tukaram as BIMS fell under his ministry. Mr Patil and Mr Tukaram visited the hospital in the wake of the collapse of a portion of the rooftop a couple of days ago. The collapse has shocked all as the building was completed less than a year ago at a cost of Rs 100 crore.
These visits were preceded by visits of District Incharge Minister Bandeppa Kashempur and Minister for Sports A. Rahim Khan. Both were aghast to see the condition of the hospital and directed the authorities concerned to blacklist the contractor. Mr Kashempur asked, “Are you not moved by the plight here? Did anyone bring the problems here to my notice?”
Mr Kashempur said despite giving directions, nothing had been solved. “No toilet is in good condition, the lift is not working, beds are empty, rooms are shabby. When there is no dearth of funds, what prevents you from delivering good service?” he asked.
When Medical Superintendent Mallikarjun Anthappanavar attributed it to lack of equipment and staff crunch, Mr Kashempur directed him to immediately put up a file, saying he would approve it.
