Dr. S. Mahaboob, who has taken over as Superintendant of the hospital, tells M. Sai Gopal the steps and measures being taken to improve services
Managing Gandhi Hospital, a tertiary facility with over 1,200 beds, more than 20 specialities and a huge patient inflow is no mean task. The job becomes even more challenging when the person at the helm is well known for his prowess in the classroom as a teacher and credited with making Post-Graduate seats in General Surgery at Gandhi Medical College the most sought after among aspirants.
When Dr. S. Mahaboob was appointed as the Superintendant in January, the medicos strike had already peaked and he found himself in the middle of the storm.
What is your focus?
Our hospital civic infrastructure is unrivalled but the challenge lies in maintaining it along with basic amenities properly. We are attaching much importance to sanitation and cleanliness. Security is being strengthened to prevent unsocial elements from entering and bring order to the chaos. Aim is to provide clean and safe environment for patients and their attenders.
What are the new facilities for attenders?
There is an urgent need of shelters for attenders. They can't afford to stay in hotels for a long time while their relatives are getting treated. At present, we have provided two shelters for them. We are in touch with charitable organisations and are in the process of constructing a choultry to provide rooms, toilets and food for attenders. We are in touch with an Iskcon affiliated organisation that has agreed to provide free food once a day to attenders. Under this project, one attender of the patient will be provided free lunch on a daily basis.
What are your other measures for hospital upkeep?
There are lot many empty spaces on the campus. We have contacted the Horticulture Department of GHMC for greenery. Maintaining toilets is a challenge and we have contacted Sulabh organisation for the same. We have improved the processes at outpatient, emergency and ICU facilities.
Role of charitable organisations in improving facilities.
I realised we can't improve services in isolation. So, we pursued philanthropists and charitable organisations. The response has been good. One organisation Sangha Vikas has come forward and provided us 80 volunteers stationed in front of the outpatient department. They help the elderly and sick with admissions. We are in talks with an NGO to construct a choultry. A logistics company NYK Logistics has donated medical instruments. Two software engineers are raising funds to maintain costly equipment like ventilators for a year. Modi Foundation has donated costly medical equipment. Well meaning organisations and individuals who want to make a difference are welcome to Gandhi Hospital.
How will you change the attitude of the personnel?
There is a need to motivate them. We have started awarding carpenters, plumbers, electricians, cleaners and other such workers. The first working day of the month is dedicated to distributing shields and appreciation certificates. I am approachable to them. Such workers can make a lot of difference for patients and their attenders.
To contribute or volunteer for social work: Email to: dr.s.mahaboob@gmail.com
Keywords: Dr. S. Mahaboob, Gandhi Hospital
