HC allows to use of Rs 3.67 crore unspent funds for GMC Nagpur equipment

Written by Sanchari Chattopadhyay Published On 2024-03-28T14:45:04+05:30 | Updated On 28 March 2024 2:45 PM IST

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Nagpur: In a significant development, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has authorized the District Collector to unfreeze Rs 3.67 crore of COVID funds for purchasing medical equipment at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Nagpur. The fund was acquired from various companies for managing and treating COVID-19 patients but remained untapped.

The administration has planned to allocate these funds toward procuring surgical equipment and establishing an anaesthesia unit at Daga Hospital. Furthermore, the initiative aims to procure a dental chair for a rural hospital, enhancing medical facilities in underserved areas.

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The decision follows an application seeking the release of over Rs 3.61 crore from the remaining Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund, initially totalling Rs 23.57 crore from various companies and government entities for COVID treatment and management. The court, responding to the plea, has directed the disbursement of funds to the Collector and mandated the relevant authorities to furnish a compliance report to the Collector, reports Nagpur Today.

Additionally, the court has stipulated that the Collector must submit an affidavit of compliance within six months from the date of the order. The allocated funds are earmarked for procuring essential medical equipment, including advanced surgical and anesthesia apparatus, as well as body weighing and height measurement machines for the forensic medicine department.

Moreover, the acquisition of central suction and oxygen pipeline systems for wards and operation theatres, along with an advanced video polysomnography machine, is also on the agenda. According to The Daily, the required equipment includes an ultrasonic cutting & coagulation device advanced with RF energy system, a laparoscopic system (medium end), an anaesthesia workstation for the surgery unit, and so on.

The released funds, previously earmarked for the installation of an oxygen generation plant and similar medical facilities, as per court directives, will now bolster the medical infrastructure at GMCH Nagpur. Notably, the District Collector had recently underscored the pressing need for medical machinery and equipment to enhance patient treatment standards in government hospitals, making this development a significant step towards bridging the healthcare gap in the region, reports The Daily.

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Bombay High Courtbombay HCmedical equipment procurementGovernment Medical College and HospitalGMC NagpurCorporate Social Responsibility

Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.