The Kumbalanghi government hospital, where an indefinite stir by locals demanding a fully functional staff pattern and facilities has crossed 100 days, is likely to get a specialist hospital package.
K. V. Thomas, MP, who chaired the hospital development society meeting on Monday, told The Hindu that he would propose the package that would need to be vetted by the Finance Ministry.
Mr. Thomas had asked the district medical officer to submit the proposal required to upgrade the facilities of the hospital. Dominic Presentation, MLA, had in-principle agreed to fund the X-ray unit. And Mr. Thomas would part-fund the requirement of a modern diagnostic laboratory.
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The staff pattern will be addressed by making this a specialist hospital, said Mr. Thomas. As per the need of the people, one general physician will be posted in place of a gynaecologist, he said.
The Kumbalanghi Hospital Janakeeya Samara Samithy leading the indefinite strike would however withdraw the strike only when the hospital finally gets the rightful status, said P. A. Shanmaduran, general convenor of the Samithy. He said the locals depend on the hospital as there are no private hospitals in the island panchayat.
The Samithy took to strike as the hospital upgraded to Community Health Centre in 2008 on paper, continued to function without proper staff and facilities..
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