Power outages hit patients at MRG Hospital

Vizianagaram: The frequent power outages and uncertainty in power supply are making the patients suffer at Maharaja General Hospital in the town. This is the biggest hospital in the town with patients from across the district visit. Even the referral cases from various primary health centres and community health centres of Parvathipuram are also come here. 

Every day, around 250 out-patients visit the hospital for treatment. Even the hospital was recognised by the state government and was awarded for its untiring services to the common man.

The hospital was established with only a few departments like orthopedic, gynecology and general medicine departments during 1980s and later it was extended to more than 10 divisions like dental, ophthalmology, pediatrics, ENT and others. 

The hospital was also connected to a 250 KV electric transformer to supply electricity.  During those days, these were enough to cater to the needs of the patients. But now, with the construction of new buildings and the additions of new departments, air conditioners and medical equipment like CT scans, X-ray machines, lights and fans, the demand for power escalated manifold. 

The patients, who come from far off places like Parvathipuram and  Kurupam, are required to wait for four or five hours in the hospital and in some cases, are asked to come another day. As a result, the patients are facing a lot of hardships.  The 250 KV transformer is not in a position to stabilise the power fluctuations or even enhance the voltage. Finally, the electronic medical equipment fails to function during power cuts. 

Speaking to The Hans India here on Tuesday, P Narayana, who came here for CT scan for his close relative from Parvathipurm, said, “The CT scan is not working due to inadequate power supply and I was told to come another day. It became very difficult for me as I will lose another working day and also need to spend money for transport”.

When contacted, Hospital Development Committee Chairman Dr VS Prasad said that they already discussed the issue of setting up of a new transformer and sent proposals to the state government in this regard. It would be solved in a few days, he added.

By Koppara Gandhi