Gyne OT yet to start functioning even after three months of its construction

RAJSHAHI, Nov 06: Three months have passed since the construction of the gynecological operation theater (OT) at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) at a cost of Tk 36.2 million (3 crore 62 lakh). But it has not yet started functioning.

For this, doctors and nurses are struggling to treat patients under excessive pressure due to various types of complicated operations including delivery in the old OT.

According to RMCH, a large number of patients from various districts of the north-western region come to this hospital for treatment. Among them, an average of 50 to 60 women are needed to perform various types of complex gynecological operations including delivery. But as there is only one OT in the hospital, even critical patients have to wait for serials for a long time.

Besides, doctors and nurses also have to struggle to provide medical services due to the large number of patients. So the authorities took the initiative of constructing a separate gynecological operation theater with modern facilities in 2022. Rajshahi Public Works Division-2 (PWD) has completed the construction of the new OT in July 2023.

Head of Gyne Surgery Department of RMCH Dr Rokeya Khatun said that since the new OT has not started about 50/60 women have to be operated in the old OT here every day.

She further said, "When the new OT is launched there will be three new OTs available. Besides, laparoscopy and surgery will be done. If the operation can be performed in a sophisticated manner, the patients will be discharged in a shorter time. Apart from this, the patients' pressure will also be reduced. Many patients are now referred to outside clinics as the old OTs did not have this facility".

During a visit to the gynecological operation theater, this correspondent found that the inauguration plaque on the wall of the newly constructed gynecological OT has been set up. The date of inauguration is given on August 02, 2023.

Executive Engineer of Rajshahi Public Works-2 ABM Humayun Kabir said, "The construction of the hospital's gynecological operation theater began in December 2022. It was handed over to the authorities as the work was completed in July this year".

Brigadier General FM Shamim Ahmed, Director of RMCH, said, "We have received 50 per cent machines including OT lights, tables, anesthesia machines. I will get the rest of the machines in the next two to three days. Hope to launch it soon".

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