TIRUCHY : The new super-speciality block of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) is just an eyewash, complain patients shifted to the new building, adding that the block lacks advanced equipment and offers the same treatment provided in the old building. We have been shifted to the new block just to show that it is functional, several patients said.
The new block, constructed at a cost of `55 crore, has 450 beds and was unveiled in February. Sources, however, said the wing has not yet received advanced equipment worth `45 crore.
While MGMGH officials assured to replace old equipment and recruit additional medical staff, there are no efforts visible on the ground, with patients forced to receive advanced treatment outside at higher costs.
Sources confirmed that several patients had been inconvenienced due to the administration’s attitude. “It has been eight months since the building was unveiled, but the officials do not seem to be making any efforts to bring new equipment,” a source said.
This defeats the purpose of the super-speciality block, which was constructed to provide comprehensive health services to the common people so they could avail advanced treatment free of cost, the source added.
In a clear indication that the new block is yet to function properly, the sixth floor wears a deserted look with no patients. While doctors claim that the casualty ward has been shifted entirely to the new block, truth is that only first-aid is provided in the new block and patients are carried in stretchers to the old ward for further treatment.
Even patients with heart conditions are being made to suffer. “I was admitted here ten days ago after complaints of chest pain. I was shifted to the new ward three days ago. However, I am afraid that facilities for some important tests are not provided in the new building,” said a patient, adding that several other patients are being diagnosed in old building since scan facilities are not available in the new block.
MGMGH Dean P Karkuzhali and Medical Superintendent Dr Kanagaraj did not take calls from Express.