Ambala’s civil hospital transformer burnt; patients have tough time

Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Ambala, July 20

Patients had to face hardship after the transformer of the civil hospital in Ambala City got burnt on Thursday afternoon and was changed late on Friday afternoon.

Attendants of patients were seen using paper and hand fans to provide relief to patients. The post-natal ward was the worst affected where newborns and their mothers remained without fans. Their attendants were seen roaming in the corridor with the newborns.

A patient said, “There has been no electricity since Thursday. The doctors acted only after the MLA and mediapersons reached here.”

“This is the situation of the civil hospital in the home district of the state Health Minister. The doctors have no fear,” said another patient.

As the matter came into the knowledge of local MLA Aseem Goel, he reached the hospital 

this morning and lambasted the health officials for their lackadaisical attitude.

He lashed out at the Principal Medical Officer for not arranging generators. He asked the officials whether they were trying to repeat the Gorakhpur incident here and then let the blame fall on the government. 

The officials made lame excuses, including high consumption of diesel by generators, in front of the MLA which further irked him. 

After visiting the Civil Hospital, the MLA reached the office of Chief Medical Officer, pulled him up and sought an explanation for not taking any action despite his directions. 

He also got the fans and air-conditioner of the CMO’s office switched off. The MLA said that he would raise the issue with the Chief Minister.

MLA Aseem said, “The matter came to my knowledge around 8.15 am. I talked to the CMO and Power Department officials. The Power Department sought a letter from the hospital so that a transformer could be provided. But the letter was not sent even in the next two hours. The Health Minister should take action on this matter and seek an explanation from the officials. I will recommend action against them.”

Chief Medical Officer Ashok Sharma said, “I was informed late last evening about the defunct transformer. It was the duty of the Principal Medical Officer as the officer was competent to get the transformer changed but she has been unnecessarily sending the letters to my office for further action. I directed them to start their generators and restore the power of the trauma centre, Sick Newborn Care Unit, labour room and operation theatres. I will take up the issue with the higher authorities. The transformer has been replaced and power has been restored.”