Amicus flags security lapses, staffcrunch, transplant delays at GMCH

Nagpur: The amicus curiae urged the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court to intervene over security lapses, staff shortages and stalled transplant services at Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here, stating that critical directives are required to safeguard doctors and patients.In submissions placed before the division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode on Friday, amicus Anup Gilda pointed out that although the Maharashtra govt sanctioned deployment of 301 security guards at GMCH pursuant to earlier orders, an on-site inspection revealed that the existing deployment remained inadequate. Additional personnel, he said, are necessary to "effectively deal with security concerns" across the campus and hospital premises.
The submissions were filed during the hearing of a suo motu PIL concerning the poor infrastructure at GMCH and Indira Gandhi GMCH.The court earlier constituted a "committee for GMCH security" through its order dated Sept 21, 2023, tasking it with ensuring proper security arrangements. However, Gilda informed the bench that the committee was dysfunctional for a substantial period. Directives are therefore sought to ensure that the panel meets regularly and deliberates on issues concerning the "security of doctors and patients and their relatives visiting the hospital".The amicus further submitted that the number of Class-IV employees at GMCH is presently insufficient to meet the operational needs of doctors and patients. The shortage, it said, risks causing inconvenience to patients and their relatives. The court was requested to direct the govt and the GMCH Dean to address the deficit, including by engaging manpower through an external agency to carry out duties assigned to Class-IV staff.On advanced medical services, the amicus noted that the govt approved GMCH as a heart and liver transplant centre, and competent authorities granted permission to begin transplant surgeries at the Super Specialty Hospital. However, such surgeries did not commence due to the non-procurement of essential machinery and instruments. Gilda urged respondents to ensure that heart and liver transplant procedures are operationalised at the earliest to provide "relief and succour to the needy patients".