The super-speciality block of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Odisha is not functioning yet,due to shortage of doctors. The block, built at a cost of Rs 140 crore under Prime Minister Health Security Scheme, was expectedto bring all super speciality wings of the hospital under one roof in order to rationalize health care services. The hospital has more than 20 departments and a few super speciality wings.

According to Medical Council of India (MCI) guidelines, a full-fledged super-speciality block should have 294 doctors, nurses and other staff. It also states that each unit of the block should have one professor, one associate professor, one senior resident and two junior doctors.

Principal and Dean, MKCG Medical College and Hospital Dr Radha Madhab Tripathy said the Health Department has been explained of the issue and the process for recruiting specialists has already underway. He said that electrification of the block is still to be completed.

Even though, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had inaugurated the super-speciality block in 2017, important departments like heart surgery, plastic surgery, geriatric and nephrology are still functioning from the Indoor Patient Department (IPD) of the hospital, which was already declared unsafe in 2013.

Manav Adhikar Surakhsha Mancha president Abani Gaya said that a huge amount of money was spent for the welfare of people but the non-functional structure has become a mere object of exhibition now. The authorities concerned have been delaying in opening the speciality block and giving false assurance.

Sources said that two assistant professors have been posted in the Neurology department of the hospital. But, one of them is on deputation to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. The alone assistant professor of Neurology, Dr Uma Prasad Padhi is attending OPD for three days a week.

Source: The New India Express