State-run MGM Medical College and Hospital is in the news for a good reason.
An ultra modern operating theatre, which was installed at the Sakchi-based hospital in Jamshedpur more than a year ago, has finally started functioning much to the relief of doctors and patients.
"The modular OT debuted yesterday (Monday). We have trained a few technicians to aid surgeons. The primary objective of having such an OT is to ensure that accident victims can be treated within the golden hour. Also, those requiring immediate cardiac or other operations will be benefited," MGM superintendent Ashok Kumar Singh said, adding that necessary accessories were borrowed from existing operating theatres at the hospital.
MGM surgeon Dr Diwakar Hansda gave a thumbs up to the new system. "We are now at extra ease and are able to employ higher degree of precision because hydraulic cables manoeuvre surgical tools, the operating table and also lights. The modular OT saves time, too," he said. The surgeon added that with a modular OT in place, they expected the load on other operating theatres to ease.
On October 12, 2015, the emergency ward of MGM received the modular OT - typically meant for accident or assault victims who often need immediate surgical attention - at a cost of Rs 30 lakh.
A source in the hospital said there were initial hiccups, but those could be overcome with time. "The authorities have managed to train only two technicians, but more manpower is needed. A special team of surgeons (as advised by the director of health and medical services Pravin Chandra four months ago for proper co-ordination during emergencies) is yet to be constituted," he observed.
Boasting 520 beds, MGM hospital sees around 50 in-house patients every day, including 15 cases referred by police. Around 10 are accident victims and the other five assault cases. Until now, most of these patients were referred to private hospitals, including Tata Main Hospital, because MGM was not equipped for emergency surgeries.
But now, the state-run facility is ready to offer better treatment. Sources said five patients were being brought to the modular OT daily since Monday and the number is expected to go up soon.
Awadh Behari Prasad, a resident of Bhuiyandih, is among grateful relatives of patients. "My son was injured in a bike accident this (Tuesday) morning. Initially, I was planning to take him to Tata Main Hospital, but someone told me about the improved surgical facility at MGM and I brought him here. His ankle surgery is scheduled for Wednesday," Prasad said.
