SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, January 16: Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari, accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Health, Ajay Kumar Singh, visited Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH) in Dhanbad and announced plans to establish a fully operational super speciality hospital at the facility soon.
Inspection of Facilities and Interaction with Patients
During the visit, the Health Minister and the ACS inspected the super speciality wing, emergency ward, and other critical sections of SNMMCH. They held discussions with Principal Dr. KK Lal, Superintendent Dr. SK Chourasia, and senior faculty members from various departments to devise strategies for improving healthcare services.
Dr. Ansari personally interacted with patients in the emergency ward and instructed the superintendent to ensure that facilities were on par with corporate hospitals.
In his first visit to SNMMCH as Health Minister, Dr. Ansari shared his emotional connection with the institution and emphasized improving patient care and providing better amenities for teaching staff. He also assured the hospital administration that steps would be taken to enhance campus security and prevent unauthorized access by outsiders.
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Plans for Super Speciality Services and Specialist Doctors
ACS Ajay Kumar Singh announced that the super speciality hospital would be operational within six months, offering advanced medical services in neurology, nephrology, cardiology, and oncology. He confirmed that specialist doctors would be appointed soon, following the recent lifting of a High Court ban.
Singh also mentioned plans to replicate the successful Ranchi Sadar Hospital model at SNMMCH, allowing collaborations with private hospital specialists to deliver comprehensive medical care.
Expansion of MBBS and PG Seats
ACS Singh outlined an ambitious roadmap for expanding academic capacities at SNMMCH. The number of MBBS seats will increase from the current 100 to 150 by 2026-27, and eventually to 200. Similarly, postgraduate (PG) seats will rise from 9 to 59 by 2026-27 and to 100 in the following two years.
To address immediate staffing requirements, doctors will be temporarily hired on a contractual basis, with regular appointments to follow. Eligible doctors from the general health cadre will also be transitioned into medical education roles.
“For now, teachers are being appointed on a contractual basis to meet immediate needs, and regular appointments will be made later. Additionally, qualified doctors from the general health cadre will be shifted to roles in medical education,” said ACS Singh during a media briefing.
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Meeting with Faculty Members
The Health Minister and ACS held a meeting with key officials, including Principal Dr. KK Lal, Superintendent Dr. SK Chourasia, Orthopaedics HoD Dr. DP Bhushan, Medicine HoD Dr. UK Ojha, Biochemistry HoD Dr. Sunil Verma, Gynecology HoD Dr. Raj Laxmi Tubitt, and several other faculty members.
The discussions focused on overcoming institutional challenges and improving healthcare delivery at SNMMCH.
Transforming SNMMCH
This visit marks a significant step toward transforming SNMMCH into a premier medical institution in the region.
The planned upgrades and expansion aim to enhance facilities for both patients and staff, solidifying SNMMCH’s role as a leader in healthcare and medical education in Jharkhand.