Trouble prevails in the emergency operation theatre at Sree Avittom Thirunal (SAT) Hospital here owing to the delay in replacing defunct air conditioners. Despite the sweltering conditions, emergency surgeries are being conducted in the theatre, increasing the chances of infection.
Two out of the four air conditioners in the emergency operation theatre have been out of action for the last one-and-a-half months. The soaring mercury has worsened the situation. This affects the functioning of the ventilators also. The air conditioning facility of the Gynaecology Intensive Care Unit has also been dysfunctional for the past four months.
According to SAT Hospital Superintendent Dr K E Elizabeth, the purchase order for four new air conditioners has already been given. “More than Rs one lakh has been sanctioned by the Principal for the purchase. The order also was given to the contractors on May 14, as soon as we came to know about the problem. But the contractors say ACs are out of stock as this is off-season for air conditioners. They say they don’t have four ACs to provide currently. We cannot give order to any other provider as they are the official contractors,” she said.
The Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited (KMSCL) has the responsibility to replace such appliances in healthcare institutions under the government. The supply and installation of air conditioners are done by private entities on the basis of contracts given by the KMSCL.
According to the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of SAT Hospital Dr Reji Mohan, order for four air conditioners of two tonnes capacity has been given to the contractors. But the contractors have only ACs of 1.5 tonnes capacity.
“The company can replace ACs within 24 hours. No alternative facilities have been made yet. Surgeries are being conducted suffering the sweating temperature. It is not good for some patients also. We have no other option but to conduct surgeries in emergency situations. They cannot be postponed,” he said.
An average of 20 surgeries are conducted a day in the two tables of the emergency theatre. The air conditioning system here has a history of malfunctioning. It was replaced and repaired several times. This time the plan is to replace all the four ACs with new ones.