Doctors’ groups differ over relocating Chest Hospital
Representational image
Hyderabad: With two Telangana Doctors’ Association existing in the state, the approval by one group for shifting the Chest Hospital to Vikarabad has created a flutter.
Dr C. Ramesh, state president of the elected body said, “We are the legally elected body. The other group comprising Dr Ravindra Goud are not the elected body. How can he, who is working in Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, make a statement of agreement? Does he know the plight of the patients at the Chest Hospital? How can a statement like this be given on behalf of the Doctors’ Association?”
The statement by Dr Ravindra Goud in the Secretariat that they were in agreement with the idea of shifting the Chest Hospital to Vikarabad, which is 70 km away, has shocked the entire government doctors’ fraternity.
It is also bringing the existing rift between the two groups to the fore, which is proving very costly for them. Dr P. Praveen, chairman of the Telangana Medical Joint Action Committee, said, “This is not accepted by anyone of us.
The decision has been taken without understanding the consequences on patient care. Hospitals have to be accessible to patients. If there are no patients what is the point in having a hospital? Overhauling a full-fledged set-up is wrong. Instead of upgrading the facilities and giving it a boost, the hospital is being sent far away where no one will come.”
Respiratory problems like breathing and asthma attack will require immediate care, explained doctors. A senior professor at Chest Hospital said, “If a patient has to travel 70 km in an emergency, will he opt for it? Ambulances with oxygen and other ventilator facilities will have to be provided to ensure that patients come there. But is it worth it? In New Delhi, the Chest Hospital has been upgraded to a research and training center. Should we not do that with our space?”
Another senior officer said, “The problem with the CM is that he is not willing to give us the time to put across our point of view. Why is that so? On top of it the other Telangana Rashtriya Samiti elected representatives as asking us not to protest. They are saying if we protest, KCR will not appreciate it. We are not happy with the decision either, so is it not important to hear us out?”
( Source : dc correspondent )
Next Story
