Super speciality hospitals an eyewash

Super speciality hospitals an eyewash
New Indian Expess

BANGALORE: Who would expect to pay a hefty sum for a small check-up for chest pain at government-run Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology? Does the State government need to spend Rs. 150 crore for a new super speciality hospital, when the amount can go into assisting the existing speciality hospitals that are in dire straits?

Government speciality hospitals have become useless for the poor, says Dr. K.M. Srinivas Gowda, former registrar of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. ‘‘Each patient has to pay for every service and treatment at these hospitals. The situation would be better if these institutions are provided more funds which could be done by diverting the proposed funds for the super speciality hospital,’’ he adds.

There is also a move to establish a medical college, attached to the 750-bed super speciality hospital. This despite the fact that the Medical Council of India (MCI) will permit only a 500-bed multi-speciality hospital attached to a medical college.

‘‘Moreover, there are so many government super speciality hospitals in the city, including Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology and many others. Why do we need another one?’’ asks Dr Gowda.

‘‘The doctors in these existing hospitals can direct patients to the right institutes,’’ he adds.

The money can be diverted to paying better salaries to doctors and for maintenance of hi-tech equipment, say doctors. ‘‘There is no one to maintain hi-tech equipment purchased for a super speciality hospital, ’’ says Dr. Parvati V.S., Deputy Director RCH (Reproductive Child Health).

Doctors are not only asking for financial assistance but reservations in minority colleges. ‘‘ We should have at least a 30 percent reservation in State minority medical colleges for students from the State. For instance a Telegu-community run medical college instead of opting for Telegu students from outside the State, should opt for Telegu students from here. This would reduce the current problem of a shortage of doctors,’’ said Dr. Srinivasa.

A better networking of Corporation dispensaries and major hospitals in Bangalore should be put in place say doctors. ‘‘A revamping of the system, increase in salaries for Medical and paramedical personnel and a better work culture in necessary. The State should stress on Health Care Delivery Systems,’’ said Dr. Gowda.