Mumbai:
After Rs 30 lakh from a charitable institution was poured into its construction, the trauma centre at Rajawadi hospital in Ghatkopar has been lying in a state of utter disuse for seven years now, owing to the unavailability of neurosurgeons and support staff to man it.
A picture of neglect, the dysfunctional operation theatre (OT) in the department has now been turned into a makeshift storeroom.
Although the trauma unit was inaugurated formally by the erstwhile sheriff, Dr Jagannathrao Hegde seven years ago, it has failed to begin operations ever since.
In fact, equipment, ventilators and other machines which were originally assigned to the unit are now being used for the General Surgery OT. The 10 beds in the trauma ward are now lodging orthopaedic patients.
Members of the Rotary Club of Mumbai, Ghatkopar, who had provided financial assistance for the construction of the unit seven years ago, are extremely disappointed with the inordinate delay, and have vowed not to collaborate with the civic body for any projects in future.
According to Prakash Wani, former Shiv Sena shakhapramukh and member of the hospital's Dakshata committee, "Rajawadi hospital is the only peripheral hospital in the Eastern suburb, catering to the large population residing between Mulund and Kurla.
Casualties from vehicular and construction site accidents, assault cases and firearm injuries are all referred to this hospital."
"Doctors have to shift patients with serious head injuries to Sion hospital or KEM hospital, as we have not been sanctioned any experts, round-the-clock CT scan operators, or support staff," added Wani.
'We feel cheated'Professor Yogesh Zaveri, past president of the Rotary Club of Mumbai, Ghatkopar, said, "The Rotary Club members have been cheated by officials and the hospital's administration.
We did everything we could to ensure that the money was being used for a good cause. I used to personally visit the site and inspect the work. But all my efforts have been in vain."
Zaveri added, "In 2005, the officials said that the civic health department would obtain machinery and equipment for the unit, and asked us to foot the bill for construction.
We did their bidding, spending over Rs 30 lakh. Everytime we asked them about the unit, they would cite unavailability of doctors, or political problems for the delay.
After much persuasion, they roped in the sheriff, Dr Jagannathrao Hegde, to formally inaugurate the ward. But the unit never opened its doors to the public. We will never undertake a project with the civic body in future."
The Other SideSuperintendent Dr Vijaya Bhatt cited staff shortage as the primary cause for the sorry state of the ward, saying, "I took over a month back, and it will take me time to understand the problems plaguing this hospital."
Dr Seema Malik, chief superintendent of the 16 peripheral Mumbai hospitals, said, "I can only comment after I have a word with the hospital superintendent."