Doctors transfer to Wayanad sparks concern amid Kozhikode MCH patient surge

Sources confirmed that the transfer order was issued on June 4, with doctors from anaesthesia, ophthalmology, gynaecology, paediatrics, pharmacology, microbiology, community medicine, anatomy, and forensic medicine among those affected.

According to The Hindu, the transfers are reportedly linked to a scheduled visit by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to the Wayanad Medical College for assessment of infrastructure and faculty strength. In preparation for this visit, faculty members from other medical colleges, including those in Thrissur, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Thiruvananthapuram, have also been temporarily relocated to Wayanad. In total, around 20 faculty members have been posted there.

The move comes amid a surge in seasonal illnesses such as leptospirosis, dengue fever, Hepatitis A, and influenza, which has significantly increased the number of patients at GMCH Kozhikode. Hospital officials and medical staff are reportedly struggling to cope with the overcrowding. Beds are in short supply, forcing many patients to lie on the floor, and the recent fire incidents at the accident and emergency care building have further strained the already stretched resources, reports the Daily.

The casualty department was relocated to the older MCH building, which lacks adequate space and infrastructure, leaving both staff and patients grappling with the situation. However, it remains unclear whether the transferred staff will be replaced in their original institutions. The lack of clarity has sparked concern among medical professionals and the public about the possible impact on both academic activities and patient care in Kozhikode. With patient inflow continuing unabated and the hospital operating under challenging conditions, the timing and implications of these transfers have drawn significant attention.

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