The JAH Group of Hospitals has been riddled with complaints of doctors forcing patients to buy medicines from outside the hospital medical shop and advising unnecessary diagnostic tests.
These things have been a huge financial burden to the poor patients, especially to those belonging to the rural areas.
The matter was once again brought to the notice of the Dean of the Gaja Raja Medical College, Dr Bharat Jain and The Medical Superintendent of JAH, Dr Ashok Mishra while they were on an inspection tour of the Kamala Raja Hospital.
The patients and their attendants told the inspectors that the doctors have been prescribing medicines that are not available in the Hospital Medical Store.
The Dean and The Medical Superintendent advised the patients not to buy medicines from outside and to inform them immediately if any doctor forces them to do so.
They further said that strict action will be initiated against doctors who are found to be prescribing medicines and diagnostic tests from outside the hospital.
They also said that forcing patients to buy medicines from outside the hospital is against norms as the government had earlier launched the free medicines scheme.
The doctors are required to prescribe medicines that are available in the drug distribution counters.
The Dean and The Medical Superintendent were also peeved at the lack of adequate beds at the hospital and the unhygienic conditions prevailing in and outside the hospital.
In this connection, they had a discussion with the Head of the Pediatric Department, Dr Ajay Goud and Dr Ghanshyam Das and asked them to take steps to keep the premises clean.
The Inspection Team also visited the Labour Room and the Children’s’ Ward.
Later in the day, during a seminar at the Rotary Club Dr Bharat Jain, The Dean of the GRMC said that if the city is to become really smart it is important to improve the medical facilities in the hospitals of the city.
He conceded that the facilities in the government hospitals are inadequate and assured that steps will be taken to improve the situation.
He was speaking at the seminar organized by the District Rotary Club on the topic, ‘Medical Facilities in Gwalior.’