VIJAYAWADA: The new ward in the Gynaecology department at old Vijayawada Government General Hospital (GGH) is likely to be opened in the next 10 to 15 days. What raises several questions is the cost of construction. The ceiling of the ward is covered with galvanised sheets, making it difficult for one to understand the need for spending Rs 20 lakh on such as flimsy ward.
It was in the first week of September that Krishna District Collector B Lakshmikantham and Hospital Development Society of Vijayawada GGH issued an order to construct the temporary ward in Gynaecology department. The objective of the new ward was to accommodate the inflow of pregnant women.
After inviting tenders, the order was issued to AP Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation, which was subsequently given to two contractors. Presently, power lines, water connections and flooring works have been completed. After seeing the ward, even the officials feel that it is not worth Rs 20 lakh. And what’s more, the ward is not going to be equipped with air conditioners.
When TNIE asked Assistant Engineer Satyanarayana, he said, “The hospital didn’t pay us a single rupee. The contractors are asking us to pay their bills. However, the actual construction cost comes to `15 lakh, while the remaining includes 18 per cent GST and other taxes. In fact, we are planning to put a false ceiling with gypsum to beat the heat, though it doesn’t come under the `20 lakh budget.”
“It was discussed in the meeting to get the beds from donors and we are working on it. We will get the donors, once the ward is ready and the will be accommodated in the ward,” an official, on the condition of anonymity, said.
