Baripada: The government set up PRM Medical College and Hospital to provide quality healthcare to people in the tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district, but the kind of healthcare expected of it has still been a dream for patients. Inadequate oxygen supply has been a major issue for patients here, a report said.
The medical college has two oxygen plants, but one of them has been lying defunct for a long time. Surprisingly, the medical authorities have allegedly been sitting pretty by just sending a letter to the DMEET.
However, there is no follow-up step to repair the plant. Locals alleged that neither the state government nor the medical authorities have concern for the defunct plant.
They also pointed out that the healthcare facilities available at the district headquarters hospital are far better than those in this medical. Most of the time, patients have to return frustrated without getting some facilities at the 310 bed medical college.
For the last few days, oxygen cylinders are not available to cater to the needs of the patients, it is alleged.
Manas Behera, a relative of a patient narrated his ordeal, saying his aunt was sick and admitted to PRM Medical College and Hospital. “The facilities that we needed for the aunt were not available. Finally, we were bound to admit her to a private hospital,” lamented Manas.
Mamata Sahu, a patient, said that an elderly person was admitted to the hospital.”Oxygen given to the person exhausted, but no staff came to supply fresh oxygen. The patients and his relatives had a tough time then,” Sahu added.
The existing two oxygen plants had been set up for the district headquarters hospital many years ago. After the establishment of the medical college, there was a need for a new bigger plant to meet the growing need for the oxygen. Swathya Bikash Samiti at its meeting has adopted a proposal for a big plant, but no action was taken on the proposal.
The medical authorities are complacently managing with the available oxygen cylinders.
Manager of PRM Medical College and Hospital Dr Binodini Das admitted that one oxygen plant was out of order and a letter has been sent to DMET for its repair. However, she denied allegations about want of oxygen.
PNN