MCI inspects Odisha Medical College; points out various shortcomings

Baripada: The Medical Council of India (MCI) recently conducted a two-day inspection of Pandit Raghunath Murmu Government Medical College and Hospital (PRMMCH) for the coming academic session, wherein, the committee stressed upon various anomalies including infrastructure and strength of staffs in different departments in the institute.

The inspection was conducted on October 14, 2019, by the MCI comprising of three members namely- Dr Chennaveerappa P K, Professor of Medicine from Tamil Nadu; Dr Deepa Sandeep Gupta, Professor of Anatomy from Surat; Dr Swaminathan, Professor of Pathology from Karnataka.

Confirmation to this effect was given by Dr B N Mohapatra, Hospital Superintendent, Odisha Medical College.

On the first day of inspection, the team examined the Central Laboratory and Pathology, OT, Radiography Department and different wards. They also visited the administrative and academic blocks of the institute.

During the inspection, officials expressed their disappointment over several shortcomings including lack of space in the hospital, functioning of blood bank, central sterilisation unit and medical gas pipeline system in the hospital. MCI team emphasised on increasing the number of staffs in different departments and infrastructure and also the number of beds to accommodate patients.

The Government Medical College was inaugurated in 2017 by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and presently has 340 beds facility. However, this is not even half of the number of patients ie.more than 700, who visit the hospital. Space crunch compels patients to lie down on the floor.

The team wrapped up day 1 inspection while suggesting the hospital to authorities to upgrade the existing infrastructure, including girls' hostel and multi-utility unit.

The team stressed more infrastructure and staff in various departments in addition to that prescribed in the Minimum Standard Requirements (MSR) for the medical college for 100 to 150 admissions, reports The New Indian Express.