The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Seth Govind Das Victoria District Hospital in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has been facing a critical situation for the past four months. The ICU's air conditioners has been non-functional, forcing patients and their families to bring their own table fans to cope with the heat. In an environment that requires constant temperature control for critical care, this failure poses a significant health risk.
When the issue was brought to the attention of the Madhya Pradesh health department by India Today TV, officials cited budget constraints as the main reason for the delay in fixing the air conditioning units. Despite the problem being highlighted 20 days ago, the hospital has seen no improvements, leaving patients in a vulnerable state. The ICU, meant to provide the highest level of care, is now an uncomfortable and risky environment, compromising patient safety.
We are experiencing similar conditions in hospitals across other districts, including Mandla and Dindori.
Dr. Manish Mishra, Civil Surgeon
Local politician Abhilash Pandey, MLA of the North Central Assembly constituency, visited the hospital to assess the situation firsthand. Pandey spoke to affected patients and assured them that immediate action would be taken to resolve the issue. He also promised that those responsible for the ICU's poor condition would face consequences. However, despite these assurances, no progress has been made to restore the air conditioning, and patients continue to suffer in the stifling heat.
Dr. Manish Mishra, the hospital’s civil surgeon, confirmed that this issue extends beyond Jabalpur. Similar problems are being reported in other district hospitals, including those in Mandla and Dindori, where budgetary limitations and inadequate infrastructure have led to comparable situations.
The lack of functional air conditioning in the ICU has raised serious concerns about patient safety, particularly for those on life-support systems and other medical equipment that require controlled environments. Overheated rooms increase the risk of infection and exacerbate health problems, especially for patients with respiratory issues.
Despite repeated reassurances from officials and politicians, the ongoing lack of action has left patients and their families frustrated and concerned. As the crisis continues, it highlights the need for urgent improvements in the healthcare system to ensure that ICUs across Madhya Pradesh are equipped to provide safe, effective care.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
