Kartik Kumar
Pakur
A four-member medical team has found several serious deficiencies at Parivar Nursing Home, located near the Police Lines in Pakur, during an inspection following the deaths of a woman and two newborns at the facility in recent days.
Taking the incident seriously, Civil Surgeon Dr Praveen Santhalia had constituted a four-member inquiry team and directed it to submit its report within two days. Acting on his instructions, the team inspected the nursing home on Thursday and examined its records, registration documents and medical facilities.
During the inspection, the team found that medical records and patient registration documents were not being properly maintained. It also observed alleged violations of guidelines relating to infection control, autoclave and sterilisation procedures, biomedical waste management and patient safety protocols.
The inspection team further found that a surgeon and a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology were not available at the facility during the inspection. Based on the available records and the circumstances observed, the team prima facie found that patients were allegedly being provided treatment without the required availability and presence of specialist doctors.
The nursing home was also found to be allegedly not complying with several standards prescribed under the Clinical Establishments Act.
The team specifically examined the circumstances surrounding the death of 19-year-old Champa Muni Maria and her newborn on August 25. It observed lapses in following prescribed precautions and treatment protocols during the case and prima facie pointed to negligence and deficiencies in the treatment system.
The inspection team also found that the hospital did not have proper records detailing its surgeons, doctors and paramedical staff. The operation theatre, wards, toilets, store room and reception area, as well as other parts of the facility, were reportedly found in an unhygienic condition.
According to the team, prescribed standards relating to infection control and biomedical waste management were also not being properly followed.
In view of the alleged violations, the inspection team is understood to have recommended action under the Clinical Establishments Act, including the possibility of suspension or cancellation of the nursing home’s registration, depending on the findings and applicable rules.
The inquiry team comprised Dr K.K. Singh, In-charge Medical Officer, Pakur; Dr Kismatullah, Medical Officer, Pakur; Vinod Sharma, Urban Health Manager; and Raj Kishore Singh, Block Accounts Manager.
Civil Surgeon Dr Praveen Santhalia said the department would take strict action after receiving and examining the detailed inquiry report.
