THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Medical College Hospital here receiving a Central grant of Rs.1.42 crores, the much-awaited Trauma Care Centre at the hospital would soon become operational, according to official sources.

Though the construction of the building for the trauma care centre was completed several months ago, the authorities were unable to commission it as they could not find funds for equipment and staff.

"The equipment list has been submitted to the Government. Our priority will be to get the centre opened with essential gadgets," the MCH Principal, G. Sujathan, said. All administrative and financial hurdles that were in the way of other long-standing development projects of MCH had also been cleared, he added.

The administrative sanction for constructing a ramp that connects the trauma care centre and the present casualty block has been issued and the Public Works Department is expected to start its work soon.

At present, the MCH does not have any space for managing mass casualties. During emergencies such as major traffic accidents, the injured are accommodated in the Prevention of Epidemics and Infectious Diseases Cell, which is far way from the present casualty wing and two floors above the main building. "We have asked the PWD to create some space for us for mass casualty management when they set about the construction of the ramp," Dr. Sujathan said.

Waste disposal system

The Central Government has also cleared a grant of Rs.85 lakhs for the hospital to have a proper waste disposal system within the campus. The project for the same is ready for implementation.

An assistance of Rs.3 crores has also been cleared by the Centre for starting a comprehensive cancer treatment programme at the MCH. The Radiotherapy Department of the hospital, though poorly equipped at present, has been catering to a large number of indigent patients. New equipment would be bought so that more facilities can be offered to cancer patients.

Meanwhile, the problem of staff shortage remains. "The Government's failure to sanction additional nursing and cleaning staff would pose difficulties for us. Already, our human resources are stretched thin," a senior doctor said.

Superspeciality block

The other upcoming projects in the hospital include the construction of the Rs.13-crore Super speciality block, for which Rs.40 lakhs has been already allotted for the initial work. The computerisation of wards and departments has been completed. The trial run has been successful and only the stationery needs to be purchased now.

Meanwhile, the expansion projects that had been planned for MCH campus under the Thiruvananthapuram Development Project is still under discussion. The present proposals concentrate mostly on improving roads and parking facilities inside the campus. Additional proposals for improving patient amenities in the hospital would also be included in the Project now.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements | Entertainment |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |