Root canal facility absent in MGM Hospital Jamshedpur, patients struggle

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Dec 12: MGM Medical Hospital, visited by over 1,000 dental patients monthly, lacks root canal treatment (RCT) facilities, leaving patients in distress. Despite the presence of specialist doctors and two operational dental chairs, the unavailability of necessary equipment, labs, and technicians prevents essential treatments like RCT, compelling patients to opt for tooth extraction or seek expensive private healthcare.

Around 20% of the daily 60 patients require root canal treatment. Without the facility, doctors are forced to recommend tooth extractions. This results in nearly 2,400 teeth being removed annually due to a lack of proper treatment. Dr. Nitesh Sharma, head of the dental department, stated, “Until RCT facilities are available, we can only relieve pain temporarily or extract the affected tooth.”

Private hospitals charge between ₹8,000–₹12,000 for RCT, with an additional ₹1,500–₹4,500 for capping, making it unaffordable for many. Sanjay Singh, a patient, shared, “If the hospital doesn’t provide this facility, how will the poor manage?”

Patients like Sima Devi questioned, “We come here because private hospitals are unaffordable. If MGM lacks facilities, where will we go?” Similarly, Rajesh, a patient, emphasized the necessity of RCT facilities, while Kavita Devi from Baradwari called for urgent improvement, stating, “Spending ₹12,000–₹15,000 on a tooth is beyond the reach of common people.”

Hospital superintendent Dr. Shikha Rani clarified, “No demand letter for the required facilities has been received yet. The head of the department must send a proposal to the principal to initiate the process.”

The absence of root canal facilities in a government hospital catering to thousands highlights a critical healthcare gap, urging immediate administrative intervention to alleviate the suffering of patients.

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

Jamshedpur, Dec 12: 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.