KGMU's Pediatric Surgery Dept in Shambles Due to Infra Crisis

It has been four months since the annual report for the pediatric surgery department at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) highlighted critical infrastructure challenges. However, no significant improvements have been made. The department continues to struggle with a shortage of beds, insufficient staff, and a lack of designated spaces for breastfeeding mothers and waiting guardians—concerns that were formally presented to the administration in October 2024.

Apart from infrastructure, the department is also facing a severe staffing shortage. According to department head Dr. JD Rawat, four out of the 14 sanctioned senior doctor positions remain unfilled. "The most pressing challenges we face are the lack of space and the overwhelming patient load," he stated, adding that the administration has yet to respond with any concrete plans to address these issues.

The general and cool wards currently have only about 70 beds, yet doctors are forced to accommodate nearly 50 additional patients. Overcrowding remains a persistent problem, with two patients often having to share a single bed in the cool ward due to space constraints.

The pediatric surgery ward presents additional difficulties, as young patients require the constant presence of their parents or guardians. However, in the absence of a designated waiting area, guardians have no option but to remain with their children in the already overcrowded wards. "A dedicated space for breastfeeding mothers is an urgent necessity," a doctor from the department emphasized.

KGMU spokesperson Dr. Sudhir Singh acknowledged these concerns, stating that improvements to the pediatric surgery ward are part of the university’s broader expansion plans. However, he did not specify a timeline, explaining that the completion of these upgrades could take several months to over a year.

KGMU Vice Chancellor Dr. Soniya Nityanand also addressed the issue, saying, "We have an extensive expansion plan that includes the construction of new buildings." She further revealed that the pediatric department’s development will include an Obstetrics and Fetal Care unit, which aims to become a leading pediatric care center in the state with an initial capacity of 75 beds. This expansion may also be incorporated into the university’s upcoming budget.

As part of preparations for these new developments, a survey was conducted across the hospital to assess and prioritize departments with the most urgent infrastructure needs. However, the head of the pediatric surgery department disclosed that despite submitting their proposals and requests in October 2024 during the survey, no official communication has been made regarding their inclusion in the expansion plans.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)