Pune: PMC's Arogyavardhini Hospital In Katraj Running Without Permanent Medical Officer
· Free Press Journal
The administrative shortcomings of the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) health department have once again come under scrutiny, as the Arogyavardhini Hospital in Katraj-Sukhsagar Nagar has reportedly been functioning without a permanent medical officer for several months despite handling a daily outpatient load of over 100 patients.
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Residents have alleged that the frequent transfer and rotation of doctors every 15 to 20 days is severely affecting healthcare services and causing inconvenience to patients, particularly those requiring continuous treatment and follow-up consultations.
The hospital is considered a vital healthcare facility for middle-class and economically weaker families in the Katraj area. It provides essential services, including general OPD consultations, maternal and child healthcare, antenatal check-ups and immunisation programmes.
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"This hospital caters to hundreds of families every month. Frequent changes in medical staff are disrupting patient care and creating uncertainty among residents," said a local resident.
The issue has become particularly concerning for pregnant women and children who depend on the hospital for regular check-ups and vaccination schedules. Citizens have questioned how patients can develop trust in the healthcare system when doctors are replaced at such short intervals.
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Responding to the concerns, Dr Sunil Andhare, Unit In-charge of the Municipal Health Department, said that temporary replacement doctors are being appointed due to leave-related provisions applicable to contractual medical officers. He assured that the matter would be examined and, if continuous transfers are taking place at the hospital, a report would be submitted to the main health department for necessary action.