Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, May 12: Health minister U T Khadar on Tuesday May 12 held discussions with doctors of the health department, the deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim and ZP CEO Srividya regarding the recent developments at Lady Goschen hospital, whose superintendent Dr Shakunthala was recently demoted for failure to perform her duty. The action was taken on May 8, when the family members of a lady named Poovakka held a protest following her sudden death.
Addressing a press meet later, Khadar said, "Lady Goschen hospital is the pride of Mangaluru. It has made a name for itself when it comes to mother and child care. However, in the last two weeks two incidents of sudden deaths took place here, and taking serious note of these incidents, the health department and the district administration is holding this meeting in the interest of the people.
"A committee has already been formed to investigate the recent incident (Poovakka death) and once it submits its report, we will look into matter," he added.
"There is no shortage of gynaecologists and pediatricians in Lady Goshen hospital. But I have been told that there is demand for full-time physicians and in the coming days this demand will be fulfilled. Presently there are 60 nurses in the hospital but there is a 50 percent scarcity, hence the health department and the district administration have planned to increase the number of nurses in the hospital. Senior nurses in Wenlock hospitals will be deputed to Lady Goschen whenever necessary, and the nurses who
complete their graduation from Wenlock will be given stipend. Stipend will be provided by the Wenlock Arogya Samiti," he said.
Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim said, "In Dakshina Kannada there were six maternal deaths in 2014 and this year, there have been five deaths in just two-and-a-half months. This is very disturbing."
Regarding the demotion of Dr Shakunthala, he said, "This is administration matter. We are not punishing anyone. Taking such a measure is left to us, and we have done it in view of better functioning of the hospital. The reports on the recent incident will come in three days."