Emphasis placed on maintaining standard hospital protocols and antiseptic conditions in trauma center

During inspection, deficiencies found in cleanliness, infection control, medical equipment maintenance, and quick response systems

During inspections of various wards and outpatient departments and interviews with patients, complaints emerged over purchase of medicines and tests from outside

Patients also submitted prescriptions and test reports for outside medicines

Deficiencies also found in equipment sterilization, bedsheets, biomedical waste segregation, and sanitation

Divisional Commissioner directed CMS to rectify all arrangements in accordance with prescribed protocols and SOPs within four days

Detailed investigation report requested from Additional Director of Health

Report will be sent to government for action against officers/employees found guilty in investigation, surprise inspection will be conducted again after four days

Prayagraj: Divisional Commissioner Dr. Lokesh M. today conducted a surprise inspection of Swarup Rani Nehru Hospital along with Additional Director Health Dr. Rakesh Sharma, CMO Prayagraj Dr. Arun Tiwari, CMS SRN Hospital Dr. Neelam and other concerned officials. He first inspected the help desk, trauma triage room and ward number 1 located in the trauma center. The cleanliness system in the trauma center was not found to be as per the required standards and the cleaning work was being done at the time of the arrival of the Divisional Commissioner. The patient care and quick response system in the trauma center were also not found to be satisfactory and the arrangements were found to be very loose and slow.

The prescribed SOPs for the maintenance of medicines, injections, and other medical supplies in the trauma triage room were not followed. Deficiencies such as dust and dirt, inadequate segregation of biomedical waste, and inadequate cleaning of forceps and other equipment were found. The liquid used to clean the forceps was also found to be old, and the antiseptic system was found to be substandard. Some bedsheets were found to be stained with dirt and blood, which could lead to the spread of infection. The Divisional Commissioner inquired about the arrangements from the resident and intern doctors present and stated that a large number of economically weak and poor patients come here for treatment, therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to provide them with clean, safe, and standardized medical facilities.

An inspection of the minor OT/dressing room near the trauma center also revealed poor sanitation. A female patient’s open wound was in poor condition and she was found unattended. The Divisional Commissioner instructed the concerned medical staff to ensure no negligence in patient care.

While heading to the X-ray room, the Divisional Commissioner found an elderly, critically ill patient on oxygen, unattended. Upon inquiry, it was discovered that the patient’s attendant did not have an X-ray slip, which is why they were waiting for the X-ray. The Divisional Commissioner instructed the concerned in-charge and doctors to immediately conduct an X-ray of the patient and send him to the appropriate ward with his attendant.

An inspection of the X-ray room revealed extremely poor sanitation. Dust and dirt, a broken chair, scrap material in cartons, and staff helmets were found around the X-ray machine. Unnecessary items were also found lying around the machine. Several old prescriptions were also dumped at one location. The Divisional Commissioner reprimanded the technician concerned and ordered immediate cleaning, removal of scrap and unnecessary materials, and the entire X-ray room to be maintained in accordance with the prescribed SOPs.

The Divisional Commissioner spoke with patients admitted to Male Ortho Ward No. 2. Several patients reported receiving prescriptions to procure medicines from outside. They also showed prescriptions and reports from X-rays and other tests performed outside. After reviewing these prescriptions and reports, the Divisional Commissioner questioned the relevant officials and the Chief Medical Officer (CMS). The doctors present explained that the corporation does not provide them with many essential medicines, forcing many patients to be sent for outside medicine.

During the inspection, it was also discovered that patients were being given injection doses in advance. Upon inquiry, it was stated that a 24-hour supply is provided to patients in advance. Expressing displeasure with this arrangement, the Divisional Commissioner directed that medicines and injections be maintained and used in accordance with the prescribed SOP.

During an inspection of the ENT OPD, the instruments, forceps, and other materials used for testing were found to be inadequately sterilized. Bedsheets were dirty, and other materials, including cotton and gauze, were found to be unsanitary and untidy. The Divisional Commissioner summoned the resident and related staff present there and stated that patients come to the hospital with great expectations and trust. Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure complete cleanliness, infection control, proper sterilization of equipment, and quality treatment.

During the inspection of the women’s ortho ward, patients and their families were interviewed randomly. Many patients reported receiving prescriptions for outside medicines and tests. Some patients presented prescriptions for medicines purchased from outside and reports of tests performed outside as evidence. Some patients and their families also reported that staff members were demanding money for minor services.

The Divisional Commissioner directed CMS SRN Hospital Dr. Neelam to rectify all the hospital’s arrangements as per the prescribed protocol and SOP within four days. He clarified that after four days, the hospital will be inspected again by surprise to verify the arrangements. In view of the deficiencies revealed in the inspection and the facts presented by the patients, a detailed investigation report has been sought from Additional Director of Health Dr. Rakesh Sharma. Any officer/employee found guilty in the investigation will be sent to the government for action against them as per rules.