PNS | DEHRADUN
Expressing concern over the increasing instances of unnecessary patient referrals to private healthcare facilities, the Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal warned the officials concerned to not mock the government hospitals by making it a referral centre. He stated that not everyone can afford private hospitals and government healthcare facilities must work efficiently to meet the needs of the people. He stated this in a review meeting held to evaluate the functioning of sub-district hospitals across the district.
During the meeting, the DM emphasised the need for government hospitals to improve their services and address the increasing instances of unnecessary patient referrals to private healthcare facilities. He also expressed concern over the functioning of certain hospitals, pointing out that even with adequate staff and resources, the number of surgeries and in-patient department (IPD) admissions was alarmingly low. He demanded a detailed report on the number of surgeries, institutional deliveries, IPD admissions and patient referrals from April to October 2024. He also questioned why surgeries were being performed less frequently despite the availability of medical staff and facilities.
In response to specific issues, Bansal approved several key proposals to enhance hospital infrastructure. At the Vikasnagar sub-district hospital, immediate funding was sanctioned for repairing the oxygen plant and the hospital building. Similarly, at Premnagar Hospital, resources were approved for operationalising a 20-bed paediatric ICU, including the necessary manpower, electrical connections and other facilities. The DM also addressed complaints regarding Mussoorie Hospital, where the absence of gynecologists during night-time was a major concern. He formed a committee led by the additional chief medical officer to investigate institutional deliveries and referrals since April and asked to submit a report on these issues.
Additionally, it was brought to his attention that the ENT specialist stationed at Mussoorie hospital was being assigned duties at Vikasnagar, reducing their availability. The DM ordered the specialist to dedicate three days a week to Mussoorie hospital. He also directed that representatives of contracted pathology centres will remain available 24/7 in all government hospitals for sample collection. He directed the chief medical officer to implement this order. He urged medical professionals to approach their duties with greater commitment and stated that providing quality healthcare is both a service to society and a noble responsibility.
