Karnal Civil Hospital doubles OT shifts to clear backlog, conducts 39 surgeries in two days

In a major step to reduce the waiting time for surgeries at the District Civil Hospital, the Health Department in Karnal has started operating its operation theatre (OT) in two shifts — morning and evening. The initiative, launched two days ago, has already delivered commendable results. A total of 39 surgeries were conducted — 18 on November 10 and 21 on November 11, a sharp rise from the earlier average of six to seven daily.

This step has been taken to address the long-pending backlog of cases across multiple departments.

“It is our endeavour to reduce the waiting time and ensure that all kinds of operations are conducted at the District Civil Hospital for the better health of our patients, so we have started our OT in two shifts. In the coming days, there will be no backlog,” said Dr Poonam Chaudhary, Civil Surgeon, Karnal.

She emphasised that the surgeries, including cataract surgeries, orthopedic operations such as knee and hip replacements, ENT procedures like sinus surgeries and tonsillectomies and laparoscopic surgeries for gallbladder and appendix removal, knee and hip replacement, and cesarean (C-section) deliveries were being conducted here free of cost. “Our doctors and paramedical staff have the ability to handle both emergency and planned operations efficiently,” she added.

The hospital’s OT complex at present houses one operation theatre equipped with two tables, supported by five anaesthetists and two general surgeons who provide round-the-clock service. Departments such as gynecology, orthopedics, general surgery, ENT, and ophthalmology are actively conducting procedures daily. One table remains permanently reserved for C-section surgeries, ensuring uninterrupted maternity care. Each department has been assigned specific days and tables to streamline the schedule and maintain operational efficiency, she added.

Earlier, due to the limited number of OT tables and a single morning shift, the hospital could only perform a few surgeries daily. This led to a backlog of cases with waiting periods stretching up to a month. Now, with the introduction of evening shifts, the doctors are able to take up all within time.

Besides, the Civil Hospital is gearing up for special surgical camps from November 17 to 22, during which free surgeries will be offered across all departments, he added.

Building on this momentum, the Civil Hospital is also gearing up for special surgical camps from November 17 to 22, during which free surgeries will be offered across departments.

“Our focus is on the special camp so that the whole backlog and waiting is reduced,” said the Civil Surgeon.

She further stressed that to enhance patient care, the hospital OT complex is being extended by upgrading the old ICU rooms. The plan is underway to add five to six more operation tables to increase capacity. “With a well-coordinated medical team and sufficient staff strength, we are confident that no patient will face extended waiting periods in the coming days,” Dr Chaudhary said.