Neither installation of modular OTs nor manpower creation in sight
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, July 8: Notwith-standing explicit directions from various quarters about strict adherence to the latest timeline, uncertainty prevails over Super Specialty Hospital of Jammu becoming fully functional by the end of September 2012 as neither the installation of integrated modular Operation Threatres nor the selection of doctors against the sanctioned posts have begun.
Official sources told EXCELSIOR that though the undertaking has been obtained from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to complete the Super Specialty Hospital in all respect by the end of September this year yet there are very remote chances of CPWD meeting the deadline as only two and half months have left but Hindustan Latex Limited has yet to receive the equipment and machinery for integrated modular Operation Threatres.
It is pertinent to mention here that Hindustan Latex Limited (HLL) has been entrusted with the responsibility of making advance operation threatres fully functional in the Super Specialty Hospital of Jammu.
“Without modular Theatres, the Super Specialty Hospital is of no use. Due to HLL’s slackness in not only making any progress on modular OTs but also on installation of other machinery in the hospital, huge infrastructure constructed by spending several crores of rupees is lying unutilised”, sources further said, adding “in any case it is not possible for HLL to install the equipment and construct Modular Threatres by the end of September 2012”.
“The Integrated module Theatres are highly advanced operation theatres in which the doctors could even seek opinion of their colleagues within the State, country or even abroad through video conferencing while performing surgeries”, sources said.
As far as manpower for the Super Specialty Hospital is concerned, sources said, “there is no problem vis-a-vis paramedical staff as recently large scale selections were made by the Services Selection Recruitment Board”, adding “but the issues concerning faculty members are remaining un-resolved till date despite the fact that without the availability of doctors and Super Specialists the Super Specialty Hospital would be of no use.”
“About 21 posts of Lecturers have been referred to the Public Service Commission for recruitment but no decision has so far been taken about 15 posts of Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors”, they said while disclosing that all these posts fall under promotion category and cannot be filled by direct recruitment.
“In such a scenario, how would the Government run Super Specialties in Cardiology, Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS), Neurology, Neuro Surgery, Nephrology and Nephro Surgery is a million dollar question”, sources said, adding “the aim behind sanctioning Super Specialty Hospital for Jammu could not be achieved during the past several years due to slackness on the part of CPWD on construction front and State Government on manpower arrangement”.
Due to delay in making the Super Specialty Hospital functional, the maintenance of the building has also become a serious concern with the CPWD writing to the State Government to start taking over various components of the structure. However, the State is not interested in doing so till the Hospital becomes fully functional.
When contacted, Minister for Medical Education, R S Chib confirmed that HLL has not yet started installation of modular OTs, adding “as far as manpower is concerned, I am trying my level best to arrange the same well before the completion of work by HLL”.
Follow our WhatsApp channel