Harsh Vardhan inspects Safdarjung hospital

Continuing his inspection spree, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan today reviewed the facilities at Safdarjung hospital, one of the largest government healthcare institutions in the national capital.

Noticing lack of stretchers, wheelchairs and chairs in the Out-patient Department (OPD) registration area of the hospital, he suggested that they be provided in adequate numbers for the patients and their relatives, hospital officials said. He said the waiting area in the OPD should have at least 200 chairs so that no one is kept standing while they wait for the registration process to be completed, according to officials.

Just as almost no one is left searching for trolleys at airports, since they have adequate numbers keeping in mind the requirements, hospitals must also estimate the need for these crucial items and provide them accordingly, the minister said.

Further, during his interaction with doctors and nurses, Vardhan urged them to be rational while prescribing drugs and stressed the need to make doctors more aware. The Minister also emphasised that the essence of the 'Hippocratic Oath' must be instilled and inculcated in the young doctors who must be taught the importance of professional integrity, hospital officials said. Vardhan visited the emergency ward, ICU, dog bite and snake bite wards, eye donation centre, dispensary, and the sports injury centre.

While visiting the sports injury centre, the Health Minister gave several suggestions to improve the entrance of the Centre which he pointed out was not conducive for patients. The Health Minister said that the experience of patients from the moment they reach the hospital to the time they are discharged must be such that it leaves a good impression of the doctor and the institute on them.
Hospitals must emphasise on the behavioural aspects of doctors and nurses, he said. He has also advised the Medical Superintendent at Safdarjung to install large screens TVs in the spacious waiting area which will display messages and documentaries propagating healthy lifestyle.

During the last three days, the Health Minister minister has visited various hospitals, including RML and AIIMS, where he has stressed the need for good behaviour of doctors and nurses and simplification of procedures so that the patients and their wards are not put to undue stress.