Mandya to undergo changes after patient's death

Time of India

02-06-2025

Mandya: In response to growing concerns over basic facilities at the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) — particularly following the death of a three-year-old girl at the hospital on May 27 — Mandya MLA P Ravikumar and deputy commissioner Kumara convened a high-level meeting with MIMS officials on Monday.
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Several key directives were issued to improve infrastructure, hygiene and service quality at the hospital. To ensure punctuality and transparency, biometric attendance software will be implemented for all staff.
Highlighting drinking water as a basic necessity, the MLA acknowledged complaints about a severe shortage of potable water for patients and the public. As an immediate remedy, he approved the installation of two Reverse Osmosis (RO) drinking water units using MLA development funds.
Officials have been instructed to identify and install these units in high-traffic areas within the hospital premises.
Addressing long-standing complaints about parking mismanagement, Ravikumar directed that CCTV cameras be installed in the parking area. He also emphasised the need for electronic ticketing systems to log vehicle entry and exit times. The traffic police have been instructed to conduct regular inspections, especially in light of reports that some vehicles remain parked for extended periods without oversight.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the current food services, the MLA proposed revamping the hospital canteen. He encouraged the involvement of women's self-help groups in establishing an 'Akka Canteen', which could receive financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh. Officials were urged to ensure the availability of clean, nutritious and affordable food for patients and visitors.
Deputy commissioner Kumara laid out hygiene protocols, including the mandatory cleaning of toilets three times daily, monitored via a logbook.
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He also mandated that all hospital equipment and items be labelled with "MIMS" to prevent misuse or misplacement. To improve patient experience, especially for vulnerable groups, separate queues are to be arranged in the Outpatient Department (OPD) and pharmacy for women and persons with disabilities.
Adequate staffing must be ensured to support these changes.
A new 100-bed facility at Arogya Dhaama was completed, and contract staff will be appointed to manage it.
The administration was also instructed to monitor complaints about doctors allegedly directing patients to purchase medicines from private pharmacies.
To maintain oversight and swiftly resolve emerging issues, it was recommended that senior hospital officials — including the director, medical superintendent, resident medical officer, and chief administrative officer — conduct daily inspections. The meeting was attended by MIMS director Dr Narasimha Swamy and other senior hospital officials, who assured full cooperation in implementing the directives.