AMRITSAR: Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla today met Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and made him aware of the pathetic condition of government hospitals in the city. MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla told the Health Minister who reached there during the launch of TB Mukt Abhiyan that how the condition of TB Hospital, ESI Hospital is pathetic and despite giving it in writing many times, the government is not paying attention to it.
He said that the health services of the city are in very bad condition. The condition of the city's big hospital Guru Nanak Dev Hospital is very pathetic, due to which patient care and health service is getting affected. Immediate intervention is required to improve the facilities and infrastructure. There is a dire need to urgently make a proposal for Amritsar and seek AIIMS from the Central Government to meet the healthcare needs of the city and surrounding areas.
He said that in view of the increasing number of cancer patients in the area, there is a need for a state-of-the-art cancer institute. He said that despite the ever-increasing number of cancer patients, the State Cancer Institute built in GNDH has not been fully started. It is a project worth crore but only a few facilities are being provided.
He also said that the existing sewerage system is in a worrying condition, which poses a serious threat to the health of the people. This system needs to be improved immediately to prevent the spread of diseases.
He also informed about unauthorized agents of private laboratories and radiology centers, which are often found in the hospital premises, who lure patients for tests outside the hospital. Strict action is required to stop this practice.
The ESI hospital is facing serious challenges like shortage of X-ray sheets, malfunctioning of machines and non-availability of supplies. Urgent attention is required to address these problems.
MP Aujla pointed out that the TB hospital, one of the oldest hospitals in North India, is in a dilapidated state.
The shortage of healthcare staff is seriously impacting the quality of services provided. Priority must be given to recruit additional staff. Generic medicines must be made mandatory to ensure affordability and accessibility for all patients.
The parking situation in the hospital premises is chaotic and requires strict regulation and proper planning.
The Out Patient Department (OPD) needs urgent modifications to efficiently handle the increasing patient load. He
said that funds should be allocated to AIIMS and better healthcare facilities. Appropriate measures should be taken to ensure the welfare of the citizens of Amritsar and surrounding areas.