Sunday, 04 AUGUST 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) hospital administration is planning to relocate the tuberculosis (TB) and chest department from the third floor to the ground floor of the OPD building. Informing about this, the medical superintendent of GDMC, Dr Anurag Aggarwal said that following an inspection by a team from Delhi, a decision has been made regarding this move, including the establishment of a separate registration counter for tuberculosis patients. Further, there has been a longstanding intention in the hospital administration to relocate the TB and chest department. Considering this, the hospital administration has planned to soon present this proposal before the newly-appointed principal of GDMC Dr Geeta Jain, he added.
Aggarwal further explained that the initiative to relocate the department will require time for proper implementation, primarily due to the limited space availability at the OPD building. He addressed the insufficiency of space at the OPD building, particularly on the ground floor. Further, the relocation of the TB & chest department to the ground floor will involve a considerable amount of time as the current departments on the ground floor will also need to be shifted. Aggarwal emphasised that the primary objective behind relocating the TB & chest department aligns with the guidelines stipulating that this department should be situated on the ground floor of the hospital. This strategic placement aims to prevent the spread of the airborne disease by TB patients throughout the hospital, as they traverse staircases or utilise lifts. Additionally, Aggarwal informed that five to seven tuberculosis patients regularly attend the OPD for treatment. He underscored that tuberculosis primarily affects impoverished individuals residing in slums, attributing the prevalence of the disease to overcrowding and lack of awareness.
Aggarwal emphasised that individuals should not consider tuberculosis a taboo and should promptly seek medical attention. Regarding the symptoms of tuberculosis, he added that individuals with the disease may experience symptoms such as chest mucus, cough, bleeding and fever. Therefore, whenever an individual experiences these symptoms, it is crucial to contact a doctor immediately to prevent the condition from worsening.
