CM’s surprise visit to Singtam Hospital finds it in deplorable state

GANGTOK, 06 July [IPR]: On receipt of public complaints, the Chief Minister paid a surprise visit to the District Hospital at Singtam yesterday and found the condition of the hospital highly deplorable.
The dressing room, corridor and toilets were found littered with waste and dirt. The electric supply was erratic and some technicians were absent from their posts.  The CM met the patients at the hospital and enquired after the difficulties faced by them.

The CM was also informed that only 50% of the medicines were supplied by the hospital while the remaining 50% had to be purchased by the patients themselves. 
The CM then sought an update on the supply of free medicines from the Health and Family Welfare Department. 
It was also found that there was a shortage of blankets, pillow covers and bed sheets at the hospital.  The dressing room and operation table were found to be in very unhygienic condition. 
The CM then inspected the hospital kitchen and found that the prescribed diet for the patients was not being administered in the hospital.
One specialist, one DMO, one NRHM Doctor and only one nurse were found on duty.
The Hospital Matron was absent and it was only after some delay that CMO, Singtam Hospital, made an presence.  The CM expressed his dissatisfaction over the absence of management and the irresponsibility of the hospital authorities.
He has issued stern directions to initiate action against the irresponsible staff. On-the-spot transfer orders were issued to the Accounts Officer, Under Secretary, and orders were also issued  for immediate provision of blankets, pillow covers and directions were issued to improve the hygiene and sanitation in the hospital within a week. Orders were also given to shift the TB Ward to a separate building.
The CM reiterated the need to improve the overall health administration in the state for the general well being of the public at large.