Kerala: GMC Ernakulam to get its new cardiology block early next year

Kochi: A Rs. 4.8 crore renovation is likely to be underway soon at the Government Medical College(GMC), to give it its new four story cardiology block. This brings an end to the long wait by the college authorities to become proud possessors of one of the biggest cardiology units in the state.

A technical sanction to the Public Works Department(PWD), has been granted by the state government for renovations."The PWD is expected to start the renovation work in September," said a medical college official.

"We expect the work will be completed within three months and the department can be opened by January. Then, the cardiology department at the college will be the biggest one compared to the rest of the state," he added.

The PWD had earlier completed renovations of pay ward (B block) for starting of the Cochin Cancer Research Centre ‘s (CCRC) outpatient wing. The work reached completion in three months.

Meanwhile, Cardiologists are yet to be posted at the medical college by the state health department.

The government, a few months ago, had created posts of three cardiologists among other staff. Presently, there is one post of professor, associate professor and assistant professor in cardiology also.

Cardiologists from other government medical colleges have expressed interest in joining this Ernakulam cardiology unit. However, the Departmental Promotion Committee ‘s (DPC), meeting which is to be held prior to all transfer has yet to take place.

"The DPC for professors was held the other day. So, we expect that the cardiology professor may join soon," sources in the health department revealed.

The remaining two posts of associate professors and assistant professors will be filled as and when the government convenes the DPC, sources added.

"Even if government fills these posts, more doctors and nurses will be required to run a full-fledged cardiology department. But we can manage the department by appointing some more doctors on a contract basis. Moreover, 110 nurses from other medical colleges have joined here," said one of the medical college doctors.There is a possibility of a cath lab unit being set up by the 2

There is a possibility of a cath lab unit being set up by the 2^nd week of October. Rs. 12 crore has been handed over to the Kerala State Medical Services Corporation Ltd (KMSCL) by the hospital authorities for procuring of equipment.

Rs. 12 crore has been handed over to the hospital authorities to the Kerala State Medical Services Corporation Ltd (KMSCL) for procuring of equipment.

Plans are afloat to procure CT scan machines as well. John Fernandez, MLA, has given Rs 5 crore, for the procurement reports TOI.