Bengaluru: Surprise inspection reveals crisis at KC General Hospital

Bengaluru: A surprise inspection of the government-run KC General Hospital by the Lokayukta on Friday has exposed a range of severe violations and shortcomings, raising serious concerns about the quality of healthcare provided at the facility.

The inspection, carried out by Lokayukta BS Patil, along with Upa Lokayuktas B Veerappa and KN Phaneendra, revealed numerous shortcomings in hospital management, staff conduct, and patient care. This inspection was followed by frequent complaints from citizens and secret investigations into the hospital’s operating system.

One of the most alarming findings was a case where attendants delayed admitting a pregnant woman until she paid a bribe. According to reports, the incident occurred last week, and the woman was not admitted until 1 a.m. after staff reportedly demanded a bribe. This delay in patient care raises several questions about the hospital’s functionality. 

Despite handling a daily patient load of 1,500 to 1,750, the hospital had only one usable toilet, and there was a severe lack of adequate drinking water units and hot water for postpartum women. The investigation also uncovered that there were no doctors present in the emergency wards. Additionally, doctors were prescribing medicines to purchase from outside, even though they were available within the hospital. The inspection revealed that the pharmacy had stockpiled medicines that were officially listed as out of stock.

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Despite the high demand for treatment at the hospital, only three out of the ten special wards were occupied, with the remaining wards lying vacant. The inpatient ward also had a low number of patients. The medical superintendent informed Justice Patil that patient admissions were limited due to a shortage of staff.

The medical equipment in the hospital is also not in working condition. Lokayukta revealed that both the ECG machine at the pregnancy ward and a ventilator in the Child Intensive Care Unit were found to be non-operational. Additionally, substandard medicines were being administered to patients, and the hospital lacked crucial ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) medicines, which are vital in emergencies.

Further inspection exposed the deteriorating condition of the hospital's infrastructure. Several areas had cracked walls with water leaking, pointing to a lack of proper maintenance and neglect. The hospital's failure to maintain a safe and clean environment raised additional concerns about patient safety. Many staff members and doctors have been working at the hospital for years, with one doctor having started his career there and nearing retirement from the same facility.

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Following the inspection, Lokayukta has now summoned the medical superintendent and other senior officials for questioning, given the negligent situation in the hospital's management.