MGM Medical College Jamshedpur empowers department heads with Rs 10 Lakh annual budget

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: In a landmark decision aimed at improving the efficiency and resources of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College and Hospital, the Health Department has granted each department head the authority to spend up to Rs 10 lakh annually. This move was announced after Rs 5 lakh was deposited into the accounts of 18 department heads .

Dr. Diwakar Hansda, the Principal of MGM, explained the significance of this decision, stating, “The old system of waiting for approvals through a long chain—from department heads to the principal and then to the health department—has been slow and inefficient. This new approach will help us address problems faster and improve services.”

Previously, when departments faced issues or needed resources, the process to get approval could take months, but now department heads will have the flexibility to address issues such as emergency medical supplies, equipment procurement, and department upgrades without requiring permission from higher authorities.

This change aims to benefit both the hospital’s operations and its patients. Department heads can now spend funds to purchase medicines in emergencies, acquire surgical items, update outdated equipment, and even enhance the department’s aesthetic with new fixtures. For example, the hospital plans to replace broken taps, lights, and doors in the toilets soon.

The department heads praised the decision, highlighting its potential to streamline the hospital’s operations and improve service delivery. One department head noted, “This will allow us to immediately address the issues we face and provide much-needed relief to patients.”

In addition to the financial changes, MGM is focusing on the overall development of its infrastructure and academic practices. Dr. Hansda revealed that 22 new committees have been established to ensure the smooth implementation of reforms and oversee various areas like research, student administration, and ethics. The committees will be actively monitored to ensure progress and accountability.

Dr. Hansda further emphasized the importance of research in modern healthcare, stating, “Research is now a cornerstone of medical education and practice. We are increasing the number of MBBS seats from 100 to 150, and a new hospital is being planned to accommodate this expansion.”

While the department heads expressed support for the new spending authority, they have requested the appointment of clerks for each department to help manage the funds and maintain accurate records of expenditures. Currently, department heads have had to manage administrative tasks without dedicated support, which has been challenging given the new responsibilities.

Dr. Hansda acknowledged this need, stating, “For now, the department heads can manage the work themselves or seek assistance from clerks in other departments. We are working on a proposal to address this issue in the long term.”

With the introduction of these financial reforms and the establishment of new committees, MGM Medical College and Hospital is poised for significant improvements. However, department heads will now face increased expectations to resolve issues promptly and manage resources efficiently, with no excuses for delays.

MGM Medical College Issues Tender for Auction of Unused Items Ahead of Inspection

Jamshedpur: MGM Medical College has issued a tender for the auction of unused items following the directives of Ajay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of Jharkhand’s Health Department. The auction announcement comes after delays in implementing orders issued during the Principal Secretary’s inspection of the college and hospital on August 6, 2024.

During his earlier visit, Singh had instructed the college management to auction the condemned goods lying unused across various departments. However, no action had been taken until now. With news of another impending inspection by the Principal Secretary, the college management has hastily moved to issue the tender.

According to the tender released by Dr. D. Hansda, Principal of MGM Medical College, the notice was published on December 11, 2024. The last date for submitting bids is December 30, 2024, and the bids will be opened on January 3, 2025. The tender specifies the auctioning of unused items such as small equipment, stools, tables, chairs, trolleys, and other scrap materials scattered across different departments of the college.

The auction is seen as a critical step in addressing the issue of clutter and ensuring compliance with administrative directives. It also reflects the urgency to prepare for the Principal Secretary’s upcoming inspection