KAKINADA: “The government is contemplating entering into an agreement with private hospitals, under private public partnership, to offer specialised services to the people. If necessary, noted cardiologist Dr. Somaraju of Care Hospital will be roped in for cardiac services,” health minister Kamineni Srinivas said.
He laid the foundation stone of the proposed Maternity and Child Health building on the Government General Hospital (GGH) premises here Saturday.
“Since there is a critical shortage of cardiologists, a cardiologist from Care Hospital will be sent to the GGH shortly. All the sanitation works in government hospitals are to be centralised and stern action will be taken against the contractors if the works are subleased,” he said.
Senior IAS officers have been appointed to each district to monitor medical services in government hospitals, Kamineni said and urged the medical fraternity to offer quality medical aid to patients.
MP Thota Narasimham emphasised that the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) should be set up in Kakinada and promised the sanction of the necessary amount from the MPLADS funds and collector Neetu Prasad underscored the need for setting up a specialty block.
Zilla Parishad chairman N Rambabu, MLA Vanamadi Konda Babu, Medical Education director G Santha Rao, GGH superintendent Dr Venkata Buddah and others were present.
Steps Ahead
Later, addressing reporters, Kamineni Srinivas has said that steps were taken to prevent seasonal diseases and epidemics in the state.
Listing out the measures, he said that vacant posts of doctors will be filled in all government hospitals along with the necessary para-medical staff. New contractors for the maintenance of sanitation in government hospitals will also be appointed shortly.
A Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting will also be convened shortly to give promotions to eligible staff, the minister said and added that the Centre has sanctioned `1,800 crore towards providing basic infrastructure in government hospitals.
Coming down heavily on the doctors in government hospitals, the minister warned that the government will not play a mere spectator if the doctors are found to be involved in private practices instead of discharging their duties at the hospital.