The State government on Monday allotted Rs. 4 crore for a survey and detailed report of heritage buildings on the premises of government hospitals.
This report, health minister K.C. Veeramani told the Assembly, will enable officials develop a streamlined procedure for maintenance of these buildings.
Rs. 100 crore for infrastructure
This apart, Rs. 100 crore was allotted for the upgrading of infrastructure and facilities in government hospitals across the State.
Funds for improvements have been distributed under several categories, such as building new structures, improving infrastructure in medical colleges and purchasing life-saving equipment for hospitals, among other things.
The Government Royapettah Hospital (GRH), which completed 100 years last year, is slated to receive funds to upgrade its mortuary facility. The mortuary was upgraded last year with money from the hospital’s own funds.
However, hospital authorities had sought to upgrade their forensic medicine department by increasing manpower and introducing improved techniques in autopsy as well as in the maintenance of the morgue.
According to a hospital official, the funds could be used to complete electrical work. The hospital was established in 1912, and its limit now extends up to Chengalpattu.
The government has also allotted a total of Rs. 9 crore for upgrading forensic medicine departments in medical colleges in Tirunelveli, Thanjavur, Chengalpattu, and Nagapattinam, besides at GRH.
‘Appoint more nurses’
Several members at the Assembly raised the issue of insufficient healthcare workers in government hospitals.
As there is a dire shortage of ECG technicians, some members suggested that nurses be trained as technicians. There was also a demand for more cooperative pharmacies, primary health centres in under-served villages and the creation of more nursing posts.
Communist Party of India member S. Gunasekaran wanted the government to take steps to create posts and appoint nurses in government hospitals. He said the government should adhere to the ‘patient to nurse’ ratio laid down by the Medical Council of India.
Health minister K.C. Veeramani replied that the issue was pending in the Madras High Court, and a judgment was awaited.
To this, the member said the court had delivered its judgment on Friday and the government should take action immediately to appoint more nurses.
