IMA list details steps to avoid more deaths

All hospitals should have a back-up of one-week supply of drugs, investigations and oxygen, suggested the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to the government, to avoid deaths like in case of Gorakhpur.

On Thursday, the IMA came out with a detailed list of steps that can be taken by the government that would minimise deaths, and also lead to better treatment outcome, especially in government hospitals.

“All patients denied treatment at government hospitals should be reimbursed for the cost of treatment in the private sector at pre-defined rates. Like it is mandatory for all private hospitals to get NABH accreditation, the same should be made mandatory for all government set-ups,” the list read.

Also, essential drugs and investigations, not non-essential drugs and tests, should constitute the bulk of the expenditure of the allocated budget to reduce the cost of treatment.

All payments for health care services should be made either in advance or in time.

“Three of our members were in Gorakhpur and helped us draft the protocol, which we think should help control casualties in such a situation. We should not wait for the tragedy to happen, rather should stay prepared for any eventuality,” said Dr KK Aggarwal, national president of the IMA.

More than 80 children have already died in the hospital since August 7, prompting the state government to order a probe. The Centre also rushed its team of technical experts to assess the situation on ground.

The team was led by minister of state for health Anupriya Patel and Union secretary for health CK Mishra.

The high number of deaths has perplexed the team, which is working on a blueprint to bring down the high death rate in the region.

fact-finding team of Indian Medical Association (IMA) has said in its report that oxygen supply was disrupted in the wards of BRD Medical College on the night of August 10.

The three-member team held the then college principal, Professor Rajiv Mishra, and in-charge of the encephalitis ward, Dr Kafeel Khan, responsible for the “oxygen crisis and negligence”. Both officials were suspended by the government.

The IMA’s report says the wards lacked cleanliness and sanitation, and that the hospital had admitted more patients than its capacity without making any special arrangement.

The IMA team also highlighted in its report similar lack of facilities for the treatment of encephalitis patients in 16 neighbouring districts. It reports shortage of pediatricians and resources in hospitals and asks the government to bear expenses of poor patients admitted to private hospitals. HTC