Kozhikode MCH PMSSY Block Set to Reopen by July-End

Speedy Summary

• A fire outbreak in the surgical super-speciality,accident and emergency care block of the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital in May led to its temporary closure.
• The first fire occurred on May 2 in the UPS room of the MRI scanning section due to exploding batteries; patients were evacuated safely.
• On May 5, a second fire was reported in an operating theater during inspection after some evacuated patients had been readmitted.
• Repair efforts are ongoing, with cleaning operations across all wards, operating theatres, and casualty sections.A trial run of equipment and electrical systems is underway.
• Gross lapses in infrastructure maintenance were found by the Public Works Department’s electrical wing and public sector constructor HLL-HITES. Issues included water leakage on floors and congested UPS rooms.
• Hospital authorities aim for a reopening by late July; final approval depends on decisions from the Directorate of Medical Education and government consultation.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The temporary closure of such a critical healthcare facility underscores significant challenges related to infrastructure quality management. Fires caused by issues like battery explosions or water leakages reflect systemic lapses that could have endangered human lives.While repair efforts are commendable, this incident highlights an urgent need for stricter compliance with safety standards across public healthcare facilities under initiatives like PMSSY. Strengthening oversight mechanisms during both construction and routine maintenance will be crucial to minimizing risks in medical institutions where vulnerable lives are at stake.

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