
Karnataka Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil led a surprise raid on the government-run K.C. General Hospital in Bengaluru's Malleshwaram locality, following numerous complaints about rampant corruption and staff negligence. The raid revealed shocking lapses in administration, including poor hygiene and infrastructure.
The hospital was found to have only one toilet for 1,750 patients, and no doctors were present in the emergency ward. The team also discovered that patients were being forced to pay bribes to D Group workers and nurses for treatment. Many doctors were found to be absent from duty, with only one doctor present out of five.
The raiding team, which included Upalokayuktas Justice K.N. Phaneendra and Justice B. Veerappa, inspected various sections of the hospital, including wards and the postnatal care unit. They found that the hospital lacked basic facilities, including wheelchairs, and that the available cots and beds were old and torn.
Justice Patil described the situation as a system in disarray and stated that a case would be lodged against the responsible officers. The medical superintendent was instructed to take immediate action to address the issues. The Lokayukta team will submit a report to the government based on their findings.
The Lokayukta team also found that the hospital's mortuary was in a poor condition, with no proper storage facilities for dead bodies. The hospital's pharmacy was also found to be lacking in essential medicines. The team discovered that the hospital's administration had failed to maintain proper records of patient admissions, treatments, and discharges.
The inspection also revealed that the hospital's sanitation and hygiene were poor, with garbage and medical waste scattered all over the premises. The team found that the hospital's laundry facilities were also inadequate, leading to a shortage of clean bed sheets and uniforms for the staff.
The report is expected to highlight the need for immediate reforms in the hospital's administration and infrastructure. The government has been directed to take action against the responsible officers and to ensure that the hospital provides better facilities and services to patients.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)