Liquor bottles, contraceptives greet minister

Medical Education Minister Ramdas surprised Victoria hospital's administration with his visit, however he was left equally shocked with what he saw strewn across the premises

Liquor bottles, contraceptives greet minister

Medical Education Minister Ramdas surprised Victoria hospital's administration with his visit, however he was left equally shocked with what he saw strewn across the premises

Medical Education Minister S A Ramdas's surprise visit to Victoria Hospital yesterday was more of a shocker to him, as he was greeted by liquor bottles and contraceptives strewn everywhere.

The housekeeping went into a tizzy when Ramdas ordered the cancellation of their contract and sent them packing after noticing garbage and filth littered around

If that was not enough to leave him fuming, Medical Superintendent B G Tilak arrived at the hospital at 10.30 am, whereas Ramdas was there at 9.30 am.

The minister's three-hour visit ensured that more worms were expected to tumble out of the can with regard to the hospital administration.

Dereliction of duty
Range Medical Officer Dr Prakash, who was supposed to maintain the outpatient records, has been issued notice and the same treatment was meted out to nurse Pushpa and Narsamma, who had signed attendance in advance. Post graduate student Najma who was found writing prescription was also suspended.

The canteen staff and the housekeeping went into a tizzy when Ramdas ordered the cancellation of their contract and sent them packing after noticing garbage and filth littered around.
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The inpatient record showed 300 plus patients, while the canteen staff had recorded 64 kg of rice prepared.
A further check revealed that the actual amount prepared was just 30 kg.

The unhygienic condition of the canteen also irked the minister, who then asked the staff to have it demolished and rebuilt in consultation with the PWD department.

The help line numbers and the record books were found to be nonexistent or not functioning.

Hand in glove?
The medication and diagnosis of patients was being referred to private labs in the city and not being handled by the hospital. The minister has appointed a single person committee, which would appraise him about the irregularities and punishment will be decided for the rest of the individuals involved.

"We began inspection from 9.45 am and found that the hospital was not functioning as per expectation. The doctors were either on unofficial leave or were absent.

Some have even signed the register in advance and three officials have been suspended and a student had been asked not to report till the further order.

A single member committee will be appointed and a detailed report will be given in 15 days, following which we will take action," Ramdas said.

"I cannot comment, as the minister is looking into the matter. But I would say that I am not responsible for all this.
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I have other responsibilities in the hospital, which I have discharged without bias," Tilak said.

Cricket fever
While Ramdas was busy conducting the surprise visit to the hospital, Health Minister B Sriramulu was playing cricket at his constituency in Bellary. He later announced the appointment of 500 new doctors by this month and promised to ensure a check on quacks in the system.