Caring For Homeless, GMCH Shows The Way, Sets Up A Ward

Nagpur: The Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has created a dedicated ward for the city police's ongoing ‘Mission Mukti' campaign under which homeless, street-dwellers and beggars are rescued to shield them from the scorching heat. GMCH has earmarked the disaster ward of the trauma centre for treating the rescued destitute persons."Two batches comprising 33 rescued individuals were brought to the hospital and provided dedicated medical facilities this week," said GMCH medical superintendent Dr Avinash Gawande. The first batch of individuals, including women and their children, was brought to the casualty ward at GMCH. After undergoing thorough medical examination, they were handed back to the NGO representatives concerned and police personnel for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.The second batch consisted of 14 individuals, mainly beggars and elderly men and women. They were examined and provided necessary medical treatment in the casualty section at GMCH before being shifted to the disaster ward of the trauma centre for continued observation and care.Hospital sources confirmed that all patients received immediate attention using GMCH's specialised medical facilities and are stable.The move highlights effective interdepartmental coordination between Nagpur police, GMCH, NGOs and other civic bodies under the flagship three-R strategy — Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration — of Mission Mukti launched by CP Ravinder Singal. The drive has already rescued 80 destitute persons and beggars, with some being shifted to GMCH for essential medical facilities and care to prevent heatstroke deaths. The Indira Gandhi Govt College and Hospital (Mayo Hospital) authorities will appoint a nodal officer and upgrade facilities for the drive. Sources said the system would be in place soon.