Rights panel calls for urgent inspection of Fort Taluk Hosp

T'puram: State human rights commission (SHRC) chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas on Thursday has called for an urgent inspection of Fort Taluk Hospital by district medical officer (DMO). This directive was given while considering a case that the hospital is facing severe space constraints and inadequate infrastructure facilities.
SHRC registered a suo motu case based on media reports highlighting the hardships faced by patients at Fort Taluk Hospital. SHRC has requested that a senior official, not below the rank of deputy DMO, be appointed for the inspection. It should be verified whether the required number of staff for the taluk hospital is available at Fort Taluk Hospital and the availability of infrastructure should also be assessed.
A detailed report on the investigation must be submitted to the panel. The report should include whether the necessary positions for taluk hospital have been sanctioned at Fort Taluk Hospital, reasons if not, the existing positions, the number of current staff, vacant positions and measures taken to fill these vacancies. It should also cover whether relocating the hospital is under consideration, if a new building is under construction and when it will be completed. The availability of urgently needed equipment should be checked and detailed in the report. DMO must submit the report within three weeks.
Director of health services (DHS) and superintendent of the Fort Taluk Hospital must also submit separate reports within three weeks. Justice Alexander Thomas stated in the order that the deputy DMO, a representative of DHS and a representative of the Fort Taluk Hospital superintendent must appear in person at SHRC office on May 8.