Jamshedpur: In a major push to modernize healthcare at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College and Hospital, a high-level team from the Health Department conducted a surprise inspection on Friday. The visit focused on upgrading patient facilities and the potential increase in Postgraduate (PG) medical seats. However, the team expressed strong dissatisfaction over deteriorating infrastructure and the gross underutilization of government funds.
The inspection team—led by Joint Secretary of the Health Department, Lalit Narayan Shukla, and Medical Director, Dr. S. Sarkar—toured the Emergency, Outpatient Department (OPD), and Operation Theaters (OT). The Joint Secretary reprimanded officials for the chaotic state of the Emergency ward and ordered the immediate removal of old and scrap equipment. Directives were also issued to ensure the permanent deployment of lift operators and the installation of proper benches and sheds for families waiting outside the OTs.
During a meeting with Heads of Departments (HODs), the Joint Secretary questioned the lack of quality care despite the government providing world-class buildings and experienced doctors. He stated, “It is unfortunate that MGM is constantly in the news for its mismanagement. Why is the public still forced to run to private hospitals when we have the resources?”
The inspection revealed significant financial negligence as the Joint Secretary noted that while the government has authorized each HOD to spend up to ₹5 lakh for immediate departmental needs, the funds remain untouched. He asked sharply if the officers simply did not want to work.
The visit brought positive news for the long-awaited specialized services. Discussions were held to operationalize services for Cancer (Oncology), Neurology, Cardiology (Heart), and Plastic Surgery. Experts have already been appointed to these departments and were ordered to begin services immediately. Regarding the Cath Lab, the team was displeased with the delay and ordered the Building Construction Department to coordinate with experts from RIMS (Ranchi) to finalize the Detailed Project Report (DPR) immediately.
The issue of doctors prescribing medicines from private pharmacies outside the hospital sparked a heated debate. While doctors denied the practice, the Joint Secretary noted the heavy crowds at chemist shops just outside the hospital gates. He announced that this would be a subject of formal investigation and issued a final warning that “negligence of any kind will no longer be tolerated.”
