NCH better known for lack of docs, facilities Sudhakar Rao

SURAT: On any given day, around 1,500 people flock the place with various complaints, many of who return back with no solution as their voices drown in the prevailing chaos. No this is not a busy government office but the New Civil Hospital at Majura Gate, which appears like a scar on the otherwise progressive city.
In fact, with its 21 wards and 300 resident doctors, this hospital is not just known for its inadequate facilities, but for the mismanagement of the higher-ups and insensitivity of some of its doctors.At times, these factors have even had the NCH in the dock.
A comparative look at the number of doctors and the influx of OPD patients, apart from the many others admitted, and one immediately realises the dire need of more doctors. As of now, this disparity is met by some 150 interns. And this hospital is expected to cater to the whole of South Gujarat, right upto the tribal districts of Dangs and Valsad.
Little wonder then that even patients, waiting for some basic first aid here, can be seen complaining the lack of attention.
Says Ramu Dhaboia, who met with an accident sometime ago, "My hand was bleeding profusely and I needed some firstaid from the doctors present, but I got it only after an hour."
There are many like Dhaboia, belonging particularly to the lower strata of society who suffer the most on account of the inadequate staff and infrastructure.
It''s usual to find patients lying on the floor. And even if relatives of the patients are lucky enough to locate that precious stretcher, it is only they who have to reach it to the concerned ward themselves. This despite 376 Class IV employees being on the rolls as wardboys and sweepers, conspicuous only by their absence.
Although the district administration admits to inadequate facilities at the NCH, it calls for a public-private partnership to upgrade the health sector in the city.
Says Pankaj Joshi, district collector, "The need of the hour is proper co-ordination of government involvement in the upgradation of health sector and the private sectors."
Further, the city which boasts of one of the fastest economy in the country does not even have a functional trauma centre, an urgent requirement, considering the rate of industrial accidents.
Ironically, a trauma centre was constructed in May this year. However, without staff and equipment yet, it is lying used, say sources.
Says district health officer OP Tiwari, with slums scattered in large parts of the city, epidemic is always a threat. Moreover, the city is already overcrowded and no proper disposal of solid waste, diseases galore. One of the urgent needs is to initiate awareness both among authorities and citizens.