One bed for three patients at GMCH-32 gynaecology ward

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 13

Three women on an average share a bed at the gynaecology ward in the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh.

As per the GMCH data, in October 2017, the total bed occupancy stood at 290.4 per cent. Adding to the woes is the fact that the ward has only 88 beds to deal with a huge rush of patients. As many as 19,084 patients were admitted to the ward last year. Though, the current year’’s data is yet to be compiled, doctors said the figures are almost similar. 

“Pregnant women deal with inhuman conditions and it is not acceptable. While pregnant women need to remain at the hospital for at least 24-48 hours following a normal delivery, they are often asked to leave after a few hours. In the absence of required infrastructure, they are asked to go home or shift to stretchers,” said a senior hospital functionary.

“Since inception, no facilities have been added. With a huge rush of people, chances of infection increase,” said a doctor.

Will complain to Prime Minister: Patient’s kin  

Sharing her recent experience with Chandigarh Tribune, Rajinder Kaur, whose daughter was admitted to the gynaecology ward for delivery, said, “We were referred to the Sector 32 hospital from the GMSH-16. Initially, doctors did not want to admit her. After my requests, they agreed. On every bed, there were two women. Doctors, too, misbehave with pregnant women as if they have done some crime. If such a treatment is meted out to patients, they would stop coming here. I will complain to the PM.”      

200-bedded mother & child care centre planned

The authorities have claimed to plan a 200-bedded mother and child care centre at Block K in the hospital.“We recently held at a meeting with the UT adviser in this regard. Soon, a detailed plan will be out,” Dr BS Chavan, Director-Principal, GMCH-32, told Chandigarh Tribune.

A senior faculty member said, “Earlier, they had planned it at some other location in 2012, but it has not not been built till now. Even if they come up with the current facility, it will not solve any purpose as the rush is already threefold.” 

Issue of dept chairmanship

Despite the troublesome situation at the ward, the authorities have given the additional charge of the Gynaecology Department to Dr Atul Sachdeva. There are many senior doctors in the department but the one with expertise in medicine is heading it. Refusing to comment on the issue, Dr Sachdeva quipped, “I am not a gynaecologist. I am just an administrative head.”