West Bengal Health Minister Takes Action Over Poor Hygiene at Deben Mahato Medical College

Kolkata, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : Kolkata’s Deben Mahato Medical College and Hospital has come under scrutiny following serious complaints about unsanitary conditions. Health Minister Dr. Sharadwat Mukherjee has responded decisively, stating that appropriate actions will be taken against the responsible officials. This response came after disturbing images and videos highlighting the hospital’s poor cleanliness were circulated, prompting an immediate meeting within the health department.

During this meeting, the absence of several senior officials was noted. The minister has directed that show-cause notices be issued to these officials, requiring them to respond within 48 hours.

Dr. Mukherjee also addressed concerns regarding the condition of patients injured in the recent Chorabagan incident, as well as issues raised by junior doctors regarding medical facilities. He clarified that there were allegations of political motivations behind a recent press conference held by the junior doctors.

The minister revealed that MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato had contacted him to discuss the situation at the Deben Mahato Medical College. The MP had sent images and videos of the hospital’s conditions after visiting to check on a journalist’s relative who was admitted there. His concerns about the cleanliness were echoed by the health department officials, who expressed shock upon viewing the footage.

Despite the availability of adequate cleaning staff and necessary supplies, the current state of the hospital reflects serious negligence. The meeting highlighted that only one out of six non-medical superintendents attended, while the principal and other key officials were absent from their posts.

Dr. Mukherjee pointed out that some officials had taken unauthorized leave and created internal holiday rosters. He has since canceled this arrangement, instructing officials to return to work immediately. Non-medical superintendents have been given six hours to report back and rectify the cleanliness issues, while the principal and other senior staff must be on-site by 10 AM the following day.

The health minister confirmed that all relevant officials have received show-cause notices and must respond to the health building within 48 hours. He warned that any future unauthorized absences would result in strict penalties. An official from the health building is being dispatched to the hospital to assess the cleanliness and other conditions firsthand.

Regarding the Chorabagan incident, Dr. Mukherjee noted that most injured individuals have been discharged, with one patient remaining hospitalized due to a fractured vertebra and respiratory issues. He mentioned that while the respiratory problem might have an underlying cause, the fracture was a direct result of the accident. A special investigation team has been formed to look into the incident, and measures will be taken based on the findings to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Addressing the concerns raised by junior doctors about the availability of medical supplies, Dr. Mukherjee assured that the health department listens to their grievances with respect. He confirmed that five and ten milliliter syringes are available, and an inventory check on tranexamic acid injections has been conducted to ensure sufficient stock.

The minister instructed the principal, medical superintendent, and officials linked to the central drug store to maintain an adequate supply of essential medications and equipment. He acknowledged that there might have been times when certain supplies were unavailable, as reported by the junior doctors. Dr. Mukherjee emphasized that monitoring the needs of every hospital is a challenge for the health department, but complaints from doctors, nursing staff, cleaning personnel, journalists, and the public will be taken seriously. He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing any shortcomings highlighted by junior doctors, whom he described as a vital asset to the health department.