The Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) and the Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (DIMHANS) are planning to share resources to improve their functioning.
KIMS director Dr Vasanata Kamat told Express that under a proposed agreement between the two institutions, the KIMS will share its infrastructure at the Neurology Department with the DIMHANS and in return, the latter would extend the services of its neurologists to treat patients at the KIMS. The DIMHANS will be entitled to use the facilities for its patients too.
The KIMS is forced to explore this option because only one neurologist is working as against the four sanctioned posts, including those of senior surgeons. As a result, it is forced to take the services of general surgeons. If cases are complicated, patients are referred to private hospitals.
With three national highways passing through Hubli and an increase in traffic density, accidents have become common and patients from far away places also are brought to KIMS. “Brain and spinal cord injuries are common in accident cases and at least 40-45 such cases are treated monthly”, Dr Kamat said.
Despite having facilities like Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and trauma operation theatre, KIMS is unable to meet the ever increasing number of cases of neurosurgical problems due to non-availability of neurologists, Kamat said. “Even a dedicated ward for trauma cases is coming up at the institute,” she added.
The KIMS made attempts to fill up vacancies twice, but has not got proper response as neurologists are sought after everywhere, especially by private hospitals. Dr Kamat said, “No experienced neurologist prefers government institutions, that too in areas like Hubli. So we have now thought of appointing freshers as senior residents.”
As the DIMHANS, which was earlier a single specialty hospital, is being upgraded to a multi-specialty one, it needs infrastructure related to neurology too. Running an OPD on neurological problems on its premises in Dharwad, it plans to use the facilities at the KIMS for surgeries by sharing its experts.
DIMHANS Chief Administrative Officer Dr Shivashankar Pol told Express that it has already started the process of appointing 12 neurologists for the posts of senior residents and assistant/associate/senior professors.