Konni medical college row: Superintendent issues memo to surgeon over notice on facilty shortcomings
Kerala: The Superintendent of the Konni Government Medical College Hospital recently issued a memo to the surgeon in response to the display of a notice highlighting the lack of treatment facilities at the hospital.
Medical Dialogues had reported that, highlighting serious gaps in infrastructure, a notice listing eight shortcomings at Government Medical College and Hospital, Konni, has sparked controversy, particularly as the hospital is located in the home district of state Health Minister Veena George.
A notice reportedly displayed by the head of the general surgery department informed patients about the limitations of the hospital before undergoing surgical procedures.
The notice titled "Consent Form" listed eight shortcomings and warned that patients should be aware of the hospital’s constraints while opting for surgery.
After the issue, Dr Shaji, the Superintendent of MCH, stated that more than 2,000 surgeries have been performed at the hospital in recent years. In any medical college in Kerala, no surgeon has the authority to display such notices without the permission of the medical college authorities.
Dr Shaji stated, "If there were any such deficiencies, the concerned officials should have been informed about them first. Both the Medical ICU and the Theatre ICU are fully functional, and adequate staff are present there. The Superintendent and the Principal did not know this notice until it was actually put up”, quotes TOI.
He further stated that despite the issuance of a memo seeking an explanation, Dr *** refused to accept it. Consequently, the District Medical Officer instructed the MCH Superintendent to send the memo by post.
The Superintendent further stated, "The Surgery Department alone has more than 10 staff members. The issue of peeling paint is being fully addressed. Pharmacy services are available 24 hours a day, and there are three fully equipped Intensive Care Units."
The doctor applied for voluntary retirement, and a report was sent to the Director of Medical Education for further action.
