AIIMS reaches out to strike-hit patients of GMCs

Nagpur: Following TOI reports on the plight of patients at both the medical colleges where a strike by the nursing staff has crippled services, AIIMS has appealed to citizens to seek treatment at their hospital.

Many patients from government medical college and hospital (GMCH) and Indira Gandhi government medical college (IGGMCH) have either shifted voluntarily to private hospitals or returned home due to the strike. The GMCs were also asking patients due for planned surgeries to return only after the strike. Elective surgeries have been put off till the strike is called off while the GMCs are struggling with daily emergencies too.

The situation at AIIMS too is not perfect as it is also facing shortage of doctors despite having state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment.

Last week, AIIMS officials had admitted that they were maintaining a wait list for elective surgeries because of vacant posts.

“It has been brought to our notice that the ongoing strike by nursing officers and the staff crunch due to staff vacations at GMCH and Mayo Hospital has had patients, both new and follow-ups, running helter-skelter and seeking treatment from private medical facilities. We would like to inform you that patients can visit AIIMS at Mihan and avail best quality, low-cost medical care and (OPD/emergency) services,” a press note issued by AIIMS said.

On how they will manage additional patients, Dr Vibha Dutta, director, AIIMS, Nagpur, said, “We will try our best to treat these patients. We are prepared to treat patients requiring minor and major procedures. Instead of private hospitals, people must come to AIIMS which is also a government institute. All eligible beneficiaries will be treated free of cost.”

Dr Atul Rajkondawar, medical superintendent, GMCH, said they have performed 40 surgeries in the last 24 hours despite the nurses’ strike. “We still have 840 patients admitted. I agree that elective operations are not being performed for the time being. If someone wishes, they can prefer any hospital but we can’t refer anyone to a particular place,” he said.

Dr Sagar Pandey, deputy medical superintendent, IGGMCH, said they are guiding patients regarding the option of seeking treatment at AIIMS during the strike period.