Neglect and delay exposed; Officials pledge swift relocation
Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, May 5: The tragic collapse of a corridor in the medicine ward of MGM Hospital on Saturday, leading to the death of three patients, has reignited demands for the hospital’s long-pending relocation. Despite repeated directives from ministers and top officials, the shift to the new building remains stalled due to persistent infrastructural issues—primarily a lack of water supply.
Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who visited the deteriorating facility on April 20, admitted that shifting was ordered earlier but couldn’t proceed due to water scarcity. “The building was constructed without considering essential infrastructure. The Deputy Commissioner has now been directed to coordinate with Tata Steel to arrange water,” he told. He also confirmed a fund of Rs 10 crore has been released for the hospital’s relocation.
However, many are questioning why proactive measures weren’t taken earlier. Dr. R.K. Mandhan, Superintendent of MGM Hospital, conceded, “We were aware the building was in poor condition. Cracks were visible and warnings were issued. But unfortunately, no timely action was taken.”
Letters alerting the hospital administration about falling plaster and the potential for accidents were reportedly ignored. Even the hospital’s principal, Dr. D. Hansda, admitted no arrangements were made at the new facility despite the deteriorating condition of the old one. “Had we received earlier information about the risks, the ward would have been shifted,” he said.
Principal Secretary A.K. Singh had also inspected the hospital multiple times over six months, yet the shift was never executed. Officials now assure that arrangements are being fast-tracked to avoid further tragedies.
“This is a deeply saddening incident. People should not politicize the dead. Let us focus on fixing what went wrong,” added Minister Ansari.
