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Journalism of Courage
Prof A K Attri, Director-Principal of GMCH-32, tells Parul new plans for the hospital’s infrastructure, patient services, recruitment of staff and latest medical technology. Excerpts:
You joined as Director-Principal of GMCH-32 in December 2023. How have these months been in the new position?
I have been part of this hospital for several decades now. I am one of the senior-most faculty members of GMCH and am familiar with every aspect of the hospital and know the working of this hospital. I also know what are our strengths and weaknesses and improvement areas. I have been spending a lot of time taking rounds of every area of the hospital, with the primary focus being an improvement in patient services. Our emergency always has a large inflow of patients. I noticed that as the number of patients is more than the space required for them, we need more fans there. However small, it will give patients respite. As patient footfall is increasing, we need to make efforts to make the hospital more patient-friendly. I believe that patients need both care and comfort, so this aspect is on priority. I hope during my tenure the changes I have planned will take shape.
A number of new projects in terms of infrastructure are in the pipeline. What is the status?
On top priority is the Mother and Child Care Centre, a 270-bedded hospital, dedicated to mothers and their newborns, with the best and latest facilities and technology. We are sure that this new centre will decrease infant mortality and give comprehensive care. The effort is to open this centre soon. We are also looking at the extension of trauma and emergency services and this will be a major relief to our patients. A new hostel in Sector 48 is on the cards, and the land that has been allotted to us in Sector 53, will have the scope for a trauma centre. We are all set to establish a college of nursing, a dedicated institute as the future is nursing. In place of a convention centre, I felt this was needed more. Our infectious diseases centre awaits a nod from the government of India, and the multi-level parking near block B will provide convenience to patients. There are steps being taken to decongest the emergency as it is very crowded. Upgradations in every department are being done, with a 4-D laparoscopy proving a boon to patients.
Is there any plan to increase the number of MBBS seats?
As per the rules of the government, we cannot increase the number of MBBS sets to more than 150. But we are looking to increase both MD and MS seats in some departments and also start an MSc in mental health, and also PH.D in some subjects. In terms of recruitments, 148 posts have been sanctioned, along with recruitments in neonatology and cardiology, and nursing officers as well.
The audit report of 2023 highlighted a shortage of essential services in the hospital. What measures are being taken to address the issues?
We have sent our replies regarding the audit to the department, and the effort is to ensure that patients do not have to suffer for lack of any medicines, and we are always working in that direction.
Any new initiatives in the GMCH South Campus, Sector 48? Is the patient footfall high here?
We have OPD services of four departments here: general medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, and orthopedics, with facilities for X-rays, sample collection and pharmacy. The effort is to provide accessible care to all citizens, and many people from the area and around use the services there. Once we have more manpower, we will add to the services, including a full-fledged tuberculosis and respiratory diseases facility.
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