A small part of the doctors’ and nurses’ room collapsed
Open dustbins and garbage lying around at the Osmania General Hospital. Some parts of the hospital's false ceiling is collapsing frequently. (Photo: DC)
Hyderabad: The old, heritage building of Osmania General Hospital is in a dilapidated state with parts of the false ceiling frequently collapsing. A small part of the doctors’ and nurses’ room collapsed again on July 14. Though Rs 20 crore has been sanctioned for repairs, nothing is moving at the ground level.
In the last week of June, the false ceilings of the Acute Medical Care Unit, Intensive Care Unit and also that in the neurology department collapsed. Dr G. Vamshi of Telangana OGH Doctors Association said, “We are getting so scared that if we hear a creaking sound, we are on our feet to check if anything is falling apart. Pictures along with written complaints have been submitted to the government but there has been no action.”
Dr Nagendra, president of the OGH association said, “In the last one year, several recommendations, representations and appeals have been made, stating that the Old Building must be repaired. Every day there is some problem in that building but people have become so immune that they are just ignoring it and going on with their work.”
With Rs 100 crore sanctioned in the last budget of 2013-2014, the doctors were optimistic that finally the problems of OGH would be sorted out. A huge amount of Rs 20 crore has also been given for repairs and restoration, but not a single rupee has been utilized till date. A senior administration officer said, “The six new buildings in the compound do not have any major problems. It is only the old heritage structure that requires urgent attention. Even during the last visit of the principal secretary, Suresh Chandra, all the points were noted down and a proper input given to the government; but there has not been much of an effect.”
Doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and even junior doctors who are working in the building state that problems of overflowing drains, leaking water pipes and bad sanitary conditions have become a trademark of this historical building. Dr G. Srinivas said, “The building has been utilized to its full capacity. While it has stood the test of time and served for so long, it now requires serious restoration work if it has to continue. There have been too many addition of departments without realizing its impact.”
Doctors seek shifting of hospital:
The OGH Telangana Doctors’ Association has categorically stated that if development works can’t be taken up then the entire hospital should be shifted. Dr Nagendra, president of the association, said, “How are we to compete with corporate hospitals if the building’s environment is not taken care of? Shift the institution to a place where there is enough breathing space to make the changes as and when required.”
With the changing facilities of healthcare there is pressure to ensure that the premises are clean and neat. But that is not possible as the hospital facilities are scattered over various buildings with too little security in the premises.
A senior doctor added, “The government requires to work with the doctors to plug the loopholes which will then help in effective management. There has been neglect for long and it has compounded into a major problem now.” Health minister C. Laxma Reddy said, “The repair works in the Old Building requires a lot of clearances and we are looking into it.”
CM calls for new building:
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has asked officers to prepare plans for the new building of Osmania General Hospital and ensure that it is constructed soon. With doctors constantly complaining about the false roofing falling off, and the dilapidated state of the building, the CM held a review meeting with health minister Dr C. Laxma Reddy, chief secretary Rajiv Sharma, principal secretary health Suresh Chanda and director of health and medical education Dr Ramani on Monday evening.
The CM said that the work of constructing the new building must be taken up as a priority and the plans must be prepared immediately and shown to him. According to sources, he was extremely upset with the state of the OGH building and wanted to know why work was not being taken up. He has stated that whatever money was required for the building it was available with the government.
According to the plan, a 14-storey structure is to be built in place of the old building. But the old building is a heritage structure and the committee has raised many objections. An officer said, “These concerns were pointed out, but the CM was keen that the process be started for the construction.”
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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