VIJAYAWADA: The decision to shift ENT, Ophthalmology and Pulmonary Medicine departments back to old Government General Hospital from New GGH has been put on hold after opposition from doctors and HODs of these departments. In fact, even in the new GGH, these department’s don’t have space as per the requirement.The pulmonary medicine department in the old hospital was in a dilapidated state and doctors faced a tough time in treating patients.
The department has also decided to stop admission of patients in September 2016 after a series of mishaps like falling of ceiling in the old building. However, later, in the very same month, the department was shifted to the new Government General Hospital and has been accommodated in the ENT department rooms. Though it has been shifted to the new GGH, senior officials were keen to shift these departments back to the old GGH due to availability of space.
In a recent hospital administrative committee meeting, the officials came up with a decision to shift the ENT, Ophthalmology and Pulmonary medicine wings back to the old hospital. In fact, the officials also thought of shifting them to Rajeev Nagar hospital. However, the staff have opposed the committee’s decision and refused to move back to the old hospital.
According to the norms of Medical Council of India (MCI), the pulmonary department should have at least 30-40 beds. Due to the lack of space at the new GGH, the department has only 20 beds in two rooms. Similarly, the ENT and Ophthalmology departments also lack required space in the new GGH.
In-charge Superintendent Dr G Chakradhar Rao said, “Though we planned to shift the departments, we have changed our decision now. There is shortage of space in the new GGH even to expand the services or to run as it is. The patient flow has increased over a period and we are looking for alternatives to accommodate them.”