Bengaluru: Frequent load shedding in the city has put the lives of patients in danger and has stretched the resources of hospitals. “We have got two generators, one for the master building and another for trauma care and other departments. But it is still a challenge to treat patients,” said Dr Durganna T., Medical Superintendent, Victoria Hospital. “It will be disastrous if our backup systems collapse for some unforeseen reasons.”
Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, which has 20 patients in the ICU at any given time, is also struggling to cope with power cuts. “Apart from inconveniencing the patients, power cuts are also increasing our operational costs. The cost of running generators is very high and we have to pass it on to the patients,” said Dr K.B. Lingegowda, Director, Kidwai Institute. “We require power for ICU machines, air-conditioners and suction machines. The government should come out with a plan to reduce power costs for hospitals in such situations,” he said.
Dr Aravind Gubbi, Surgeon and Gastroenterologist, Sahana Hospital, said, “Sudden power cuts can put the lives of patients in danger. Generators take some time before they are switched on. “We pray for continuous power supply during surgeries as any shutdown would have disastrous consequences, especially during procedures involving head injuries.”
Dr Ajith Benedict Ryan, Medical Director, HOSMAT, said, “From next month, we will keep sufficient stock of diesel to overcome power shutdowns as we need continuous power at ICUs, operation theatres and lifts. We fear that the problem will only increase.”
Dr Gubbi said, “There is a huge cost of running diesel generators. Our generators consume 60-70 litres of diesel in one hour. You can imagine the increased cost that has to be borne by the patient ultimately.”
