28 ventilators lie idle in Hazaribag hosp since 2020, superintendent assures action
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Hazaribag: Since the height of the Covid-19 in 2020, 28 life-saving ventilators have been gathering dust in the ICU of Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College Hospital, unused and forgotten, Hazaribag's Sadar MLA, Pradip Prasad, has raised alarm over this critical healthcare oversight at the health unit.
These machines, purchased to combat the pandemic, have yet to see the light of day, leaving patients in dire need to be referred to Ranchi for critical care.
Prasad has called this not just negligence but a dangerous gamble with the lives of those seeking medical help. He has demanded swift action from the state health department to rectify this oversight immediately.
Speaking to TOI, Prasad said, "These ventilators have been sitting idle for years.
No steps were taken to operationalise them, nor was there any effort to appoint trained operators. This is a grave disservice to our community."
Prasad also highlighted shone a light on other pressing issues plaguing the hospital, including cleanliness, a shortage of medicines, poorly maintained equipment, and a lack of staff. He stressed the urgent need for solutions.
In response to Prasad's concerns, his team met with the hospital superintendent, Dr Anukaran Purti, to delve into these issues. They discussed the hospital's current system, resource status, and the challenges faced on the ground. Purti, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, promised swift action.
"I will address these issues, including the ventilators, to ensure they are operational soon," he said.
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