Bhopal- Amidst a wave of dissent, plans to transfer the maternity facility from Jai Prakash District Hospital (JP) to Katju Hospital in Bhopal have sparked controversy. The Class III Employees Union has vehemently opposed this move and addressed their concerns to Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.

In their letter, they highlighted the city's burgeoning population and expanding urban footprint, arguing that instead of relocating services from Jai Prakash Hospital, new maternity facilities should be established at Katju Hospital. They adamantly oppose the transfer of doctors and staff from Jai Prakash Hospital to Katju Hospital.

Recent developments indicate that the process of shifting maternity facilities from Jai Prakash Hospital to Katju Hospital has already commenced. Duties of doctors and employees from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department are gradually being reassigned to Katju Hospital. Consequently, only one doctor remains on duty at Jai Prakash Hospital's maternity department. This transition comes amidst reports of doctor shortages in the state, prompting the redistribution of services.

Umashankar Tiwari, the State Secretary of the Class III Employees Union, has taken a proactive stance against the removal of maternity facilities from Jai Prakash District Hospital. He has penned a letter to top officials including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Commissioner of the Health Department, urging them to reconsider the decision.

In an exclusive interaction with The Mooknayak, Tiwari emphasized the significance of JP Hospital to the local community, particularly its status as an employee-dominated area. Established over 50 years ago, the hospital boasts specialized facilities such as a dedicated unit for children, a blood bank, a mother milk bank, and a well-equipped operation theatre. These essential amenities are currently unavailable at Katju Hospital. Tiwari underscored the pivotal role of Jai Prakash Hospital in catering to the healthcare needs of pregnant women from distant locales including Misrod, Mandideep, BHEL, Katara Hills, and Saket Nagar, who rely on the hospital for essential maternity services.

Highlighting the hospital's robust operations, Tiwari revealed staggering statistics, with approximately 10 to 15 deliveries and 8 to 10 C-sections performed daily at JP Hospital. Moreover, the hospital conducts a significant number of family welfare operations. Tiwari expressed concerns that relocating these vital services to Katju Hospital would disrupt the existing arrangements and pose logistical challenges.

Meanwhile, the recently inaugurated Dr. Kailashnath Katju Government Women's Hospital stands ready to assume maternity services. Despite its modern amenities and 300-bed capacity, concerns persist about the wisdom of consolidating services in Katju at the expense of JP hospital which is three kilometers away. Questions arise regarding accessibility, as JP Hospital's proximity to Hamidia Hospital may offer a more convenient option for patients.

The decision to shift maternity services raises questions about the state's healthcare infrastructure and the challenges posed by doctor shortages. While Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari, Bhopal District Medical Officer, assures continuity of services at both hospitals, concerns linger about the potential impact on patient care and accessibility. As stakeholders weigh the implications, the fate of maternity services in Madhya Pradesh hangs in the balance.

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