Nagpur: A social media post alleging that dean of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Dr Sudhir Gupta has blocked entire floor of the paid ward for his mother’s post-Covid treatment went viral on Tuesday. Dr Gupta, however, claimed the floor is reserved for non-Covid admissions as per government rules and his mother was admitted there for the last 2 months as a ‘common patient’ without violating rules.
“Dean has captured whole floor of the GMCH for treatment of his mother,” claimed the post on social media which went viral. When TOI enquired, sources informed that the floor was vacant and Dr Gupta’s mother was the only patient there until Tuesday evening. She was a case of post-Covid cellulitis (bacterial skin infection). She has several other ailments too. Presently, she was under the plastic surgery department. Sources also informed that she was shifted to gastro ward of Super Speciality Hospital in the evening.
Dr Gupta, however, claimed the social media post was a deliberate attempt to defame him. “My 85-year-old mother is under treatment from long. She was admitted in the paid ward which is reserved for non-Covid patients only. As VIP movement has been notified in Nagpur tomorrow (Wednesday), we have kept this floor vacant now,” said Dr Gupta. According to him, admission of his mother in the non-Covid ward violated no established rules.
“My mother has been admitted there even before I took over as dean. She is a common patient and we are not availing any special services,” said Dr Gupta, adding he is also paying one nurse who is looking after his mother. “I am paying the nurse as per rules. We have everything documented. There is no violation,” he said.
According to Dr Gupta, GMCH is already under tremendous pressure while handling the unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases. In such scenario, defaming fake messages create anger in public against government facilities.
“We are here to serve people and we are doing every possible effort to provide service to every patient. Non-Covid patients are also important. Rules mandate such rooms must be kept vacant,” he said denying the allegation that he has captured the entire floor.
What The Message Claims
“Dean of the GMCH Dr Sudhir Gupta has reserved whole floor of 10 rooms in paying ward for his mother since last 2 months and appointed 2 senior doctors and 10 nursing staff round the clock. This is misuse of power.”
What Dean Gupta Says
“My ailing mother was admitted in that ward since last 2 months as per rules. The ward is non-Covid paying ward and that particular floor is reserved for VIPs. As city is going to see some VIP movement in next 48 hours, we have kept it vacant. I have appointed one nurse to take care of my mother and I am paying the expenses from my pocket. Everything is documented.”