Two more resident doctors have been diagnosed with hepatitis in Nair Hospital within a month.
Two more resident doctors have been diagnosed with hepatitis in Nair Hospital within a month. So far, 15 resident doctors and five nursing staffers have been diagnosed with hepatitis in the hospital in the past month. The doctor community has alleged that the hospital has been negligent on its part.
On Saturday Dr Jitesh from the surgery department was diagnosed with jaundice but according to doctors treating him, he has probably been infected with hepatitis C. “Presently, we are waiting for his blood test, but most probably like the other resident doctors, he can also get hepatitis,” said Dr Sagar Mundada, president of Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD).
Two doctors from the psychiatry and diabetology department have been recently admitted at the hospital after getting diagnosed with hepatitis. A nurse has been also admitted for the same disease at the hospital. Recently, Nagpur-based Dr Mrunmayee Deshpande from the medicine department had gone back home for treatment after getting diagnosed with hepatitis E. These incidents have raised serious concerns among medical students.
“It seems there is some contamination and leakage in the water and sewage pipe. All they do is clean the tank and leave it. They aren’t taking care of the source,” said Dr Mundada.
However, Dr Ramesh Bharmal, dean of the hospital, said so far, he had not received any complaint and no resident doctor was admitted. “As far as now, no resident doctor is admitted for hepatitis. But I will look into it. Call me later,” he said.
But when he was contacted again on Saturday evening, his phone was switched off and he couldn’t be contacted.
“It is a shameful that two outbreaks of hepatitis E have taken place in such a short period on a hospital’s premises. With around 15 resident doctors and five nurses falling prey to same, it is high time that the administration takes the issue seriously. They need to identify the source and deal with it on a permanent basis, rather than just making shift arrangements, before it becomes a public health issue,” stated Dr Mundada as the official stand of MARD.
“If steps are not taken and more doctors fall prey to this, MARD will condemn it in the strongest possible way,” he added.
Dr Sharika Patil, associate medical officer of the hospital denied all allegations, and said, “Only yesterday, we did the testing of all the drinking water and their sources. All the results have been negative. There is no contamination in the water of the hostels and canteen.”
