Women's panel chairperson visits Yelahanka hospital

Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Nagalakshmi Bai made a surprise visit to the government hospital at Yelahanka on Wednesday.

Inspecting the labour ward, outpatient department, laboratory, X-ray unit and special wards, Nagalakshmi Bai lashed out at the medical officials for the poor maintenance.

“Hundreds of poor patients from the surrounding localities visit the hospital. Even though at the outset it appears to be a speciality hospital, it is like a fish market inside with crowd everywhere. There is hardly any crowd management at the hospital,” Nagalakshmi lashed out.

“About 50-60 pregnant women come to this 100-bed hospital every day. Of 12 doctors posted here, only two are gynaecologists. There is a
need for more doctors,” she said.

Going through the medical records, Nagalakshmi alleged that a gynaecologist had carried out surgical abortion illegally on a 15-year-old girl.

“A situation like this calls for several procedures. But the doctor has not adhered to any rules. The records revealed that there were two to three similar incidents at the hospital,” she said.

The gynaecologist informed Nagalakshmi that the issue was brought to the notice of the chief superintendent of the hospital after obtaining a representation from the family.

“Before the surgery, the girl’s physical condition was diagnosed and all procedures according to the Pocso Act were adhered to,” the doctor clarified.

Subsequently, Nagalkshmi Bai also visited the Yelahanka Police station and inspected facilities and restrooms provided to the women police.