MONEY, VALUABLES NOT SAFE IN CIVIL HOSPITAL

The doctors, staff and patients in Civil Hospital are all suffering from the same problem: their belongings are being stolen every other day, even from inside the ICU where entry is restricted.

The cellphone of Dr Praveen Pradhan, a senior cardiologist, went missing from the ICU on May 3. In the same week, a staff nurse lost her salary that she had kept in her purse and another staff lost ₹12,000. Dr Pradhan has lodged a complaint with the Hazratganj police, demanding action against four people deployed at the hospital for clinical and cleaning work.

“It has become an everyday thing, as one or the other staff member loses money or valuables,” said Dr Pradhan.

The hospital authorities are aware of the incidents and have taken action against the staff suspected. “We have changed the staff positions but more information will surface during police investigation,” said Dr Ashutosh Dubey, medical superintendent of the hospital.

The hospital gets over 4,000 patients every day in the OPD and admits over 100 for treatment. The footfall in 24-hours is over 10,000 and security is deployed in all sections of the hospital. But the thefts continue.

“How will one work if one’s belongings are stolen every other day,” said Dr Pradhan, adding: “Strict action needs to be taken as a large number of attendants too have lost valuables but do not file complaint out of fear that the doctor will get angry.” The police have started investigation in the case.