Is Raja Sukhdev Singh hospital Poonch going GMC Jammu’s way? Commissioner/Secretary Health failed on all fronts
SALIL RAINA
(POONCH TODAY NEWS)
POONCH: Absence of doctors and mismanagement in Raja Sukhdev Singh hospital in tackling COVID cases shows that the Poonch’s only top hospital going the GMC Jammu’s way when it comes to witnessing dance of death. Crores of rupees were provided to health department Poonch over the years, but corrupt officers at the helm of affairs looted money meant for strengthening health infrastructure on the ground. Few COVID death cases were reported in the hospital and accordingly, affected families lodged severe allegation of mismanagement against hospital authorities in front of media, few days ago and accordingly an enquiry committee was also formed by DDC Poonch. Some videos showing affected families crying heavily over the sorry state of affairs in Raja Sukhdev Singh hospital. Only few doctors reportedly available who are during duties repeatedly. Story of GMC Jammu is known by one and all and going by the horrible state of affairs, it shows that this hospital is also going GMC’s way. Commissioner/Secretary Health has failed on all fronts and is known in bureaucracy only for effecting transfers of medial staff for personal interest and not for bringing reforms in medical sector, so his job is under question for his utter failure. If the condition of top hospital of Jammu division is worse, then what would be the condition of other hospitals, especially of Poonch and Rajouri districts. Although DDC Poonch visited hospital many times to inquire about the services being provided to the patients and few times, he took on hospital authorities over reported loopholes. Even, few DDC members visited hospital and expressed their displeasure over the horrible state of affairs. Attendants of patients who used to visit inside COVID ward were not provided PPE kits. Insiders told “POONCH TODAY” pleading anonymity that internal system of Raja Sukhdev Singh hospital is collapsed and only few staff members are doing routine duties. Shortage of oxygen is also a big concern for COVID patients. Although, COVID positive cases in Poonch district have not touched alarming situation, but what would happen if this border district starts witnessing surge in COVID cases. Will hospital authorities manage surge in COVID cases in the absence of infrastructure and medical staff? The answer lies in big “No”. If a detailed inquiry is initiated about funds utilization on the ground by hospital authorities, then a big scam in several crores will come out. Instead of using funds for strengthening health care infrastructure, they were reportedly used for managing personal comforts, especially by the office of M.S and CMO. Why former Medical Supdt shifted COVID ward from new building to a building where children ward is also nearby? This also needs to be investigated. Closeness of COVID ward with children ward is a big threat to new born babies. Poonch district is going through a very grim situation and absence of proper infrastructure and lack of professionalism among doctors is a major cause of worry for people of Poonch. If hospital authorities of Raja Sukhdev Singh hospital Poonch failed to manage properly COVID cases, then the day is not far away when Poonch may witness GMC Jammu’s like episodes where dance of death is going on.
