The run-down health institution in Sakchi is desperately seeking an image makeover to impress MCI

Jharkhand High Court may have buffered the MBBS seat slash blow for the time being, but MGM Medical College and Hospital in Jamshedpur is planning overtime to impress the Medical Council of India.

The state-run health institution in Sakchi — at whose Dimna-based cradle the council had recommended halving the existing 100 medical berths over inadequate student infrastructure — has decided to introduce modular operating theatres. Quite an ambition given the hospital’s reputation of peeling plaster, crumbling ceilings and, as women’s commission chairperson Mahua Maji pointed out recently, thoroughly neglected hygiene.

If MGM has its way, the pre-fabricated OTs will be equipped with hermetic (airtight sealing) sliding doors, surgeon control panel, pass box (to store surgical tools before and after use) and scrub sink (for doctors) among others. They will offer joint-less, uniform, non-porous and cleanable surface against the current archaic chamber that has only oxygen cylinders, X-ray viewer and overhead surgery lights.

Modular operating theatres also have the advantage of speedy assembling and maintenance. They offer controlled environment and better air and light distribution, besides helping surgeons avoid bacteria contamination and its growth.

Last, but not the least, they allow future expansion and modernisation in line with developments in surgical techniques.

Principal of MGM Medical College in Dimna A.N. Mishra said they had already floated a preliminary tender, inviting experts in the field to visit the hospital for inspection of the five existing OTs and give an estimate for modular replacements.

“Nowadays, modular units are available at every superspecialty hospital to aid in complicated surgical procedures. We too have decided to bring about a sea change at this medical college and hospital. The tender was floated on August 28 and will be opened on September 18. On the basis of the estimate given by the bidders, we shall float another tender for execution of the project,” he said.

Mishra maintained that they would write to the department of health, medical education and family welfare for necessary funds once an estimate for the project was prepared.

Currently, MGM’s five operating theatres cater to the departments of orthopaedics, ENT, medicine, gynaecology and emergency.

“These are very basic with oxygen supply and X-ray viewer. Often, surgeons have to work without water,” said an MGM insider. “However, if modular OTs become a reality, there will airtight doors and adjustable beds in each of the five, besides other hi-tech fixtures.”

Principal Mishra conceded that the MCI glare had prompted them to mull upgrade. “Moreover, the modernisation of existing OTs will facilitate postgraduation studies in the college,” he said.

R.Y. Chowdhury, the superintendent of MGM Medical College and Hospital in Sakchi, confirmed that the OTs were on the upgrade radar. “The process (for modernisation) has already begun. The authorities of the medical college (in Dimna) under whom this hospital runs have already floated a tender to receive an estimate from experts,” he said.