Now Reading: Ernakulam General Hospital gastroenterology dept to start OP facility
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Ernakulam General Hospital gastroenterology dept to start OP facility
Ernakulam General Hospital's gastroenterology department is expected to get a regular outpatient facility once the state government creates a new medical gastroenterologist post. The department, started earlier this year, currently operates only…
Ernakulam General Hospital's gastroenterology department is expected to get a regular outpatient facility once the state government creates a new medical gastroenterologist post. The department, started earlier this year, currently operates only through voluntary services and private sponsorship, limiting care to internal referrals.
"At present there is no OP being held and we are not able to entertain patients from outside as all appointments are referral-based now. We might be able to provide three OPs per week if the doctor is appointed," said GH superintendent Dr Prebhudas R. The department offers endoscopy, colonoscopy and related procedures, and treated over 40 patients in August alone, said retired consultant Dr T Paulose George.
MP Hibi Eden said the department was started using CSR funds and voluntary help from a UK-returned doctor. "For the next phase of expansion we need to strengthen the manpower. Once this is done we can start a regular OP," he said. The department currently functions Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Ernakulam district has no public-sector gastroenterology department, forcing patients to private hospitals or tertiary centres in Kochi. The General Hospital's unit, started as a pilot in early 2024 with voluntary medical staff and CSR funds, has already treated over 150 patients. The new post, once created by the state government, is the first step toward a permanent public gastroenterology outpatient service. If daily footfall reaches the projected 100, the department may need further manpower and a budget line to survive beyond voluntary support. The Kerala government order creating the gastroenterologist post is awaited.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
