KEM, one of the city's biggest hospital, with an average of 19 lakh out-patient department (OPD) patients, is in shambles due to poor maintenance. Most parts of the hospital — currently under maintenance — are being used with the support of temporary propping.
A formal round of the hospital gives a clear picture of how civic-run hospital in the city are in dire need of renovation.
Four patients in the dialysis department of KEM hospital had a narrow escape after the ceiling caved in on Wednesday night. Though no major injuries were reported, it has brought to focus how the safety of patients and hospital staff is compromised.
According to officials of the Medical Social Work Department of the hospital, patients coming to the hospital for treatment are mostly poor, and cannot afford treatment elsewhere. "The need for timely maintenance has been ignored so far. Poor maintenance is the main reason behind the present status of the hospital," said the official.
As per the 2017 annual report of KEM Hospital, it saw around 19.67 lakh patients in the OPD, of which 6.48 lakh were new and 13.18 lakh were old patients. In addition, the hospital also saw 83,000 admissions and over 65,000 surgeries.
According to officials from BMC's health department, the KEM Hhospitals is overburdened and the civic body is working to strengthen peripheral hospitals. "We can release pressure from the hospital only after we strengthen peripheral hospital," said the official, adding that there is provision for the same in the 2018-19 Budget. The civic body has made a provision of Rs 91 crore for upgrading eight peripheral hospitals. "We will also strengthen the services in peripheral hospitals by filling vacant posts. These posts will be useful to increase units as well as provide care in the suburbs," added the official.
In addition, expansion of the hospital has also been planned. Around 400 beds will be added by constructing two 15-storey towers and the proposal has already received the approval of the heritage committee.
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