Pathak: Upgrade infra, facilities in govt hosps

Lucknow: Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak on Friday directed officials to upgrade infrastructure and basic facilities in govt hospitals and warned that negligence in healthcare delivery will not be tolerated.Holding a review meeting of Meerut, Moradabad and Saharanpur divisions at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida, Pathak said providing quality healthcare services was the govt's top priority. He asked officials to ensure improvement in patient services.He stressed the need for better hospital infrastructure, clear signage, citizen charters, cleanliness and uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water.He also called for night shelters for attendants, adequate availability of medicines and standard-compliant medical equipment across units. "MRI and ICU facilities in all district hospitals must be kept in proper working condition. Officials must ensure functionality of health ATMs in districts, strengthen CT scan and dialysis services, and verify operational readiness of ambulances," Pathak said.Fire safety measures, including installation of extinguishers and regular audits, were also mandatory, he said.Pathak directed for monitoring of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and said hospital staff should be in uniform. He also asked for regular organisation of Mukhyamantri Arogya Melas and follow-up on issues identified during inspections. Ahead of the current review, 2,437 medical units across 14 districts of three divisions were inspected from Feb 6-8 by 117 teams, covering district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, special hospitals, medical colleges and Arogya Melas.