High Court Panel Highlights Urgent Needs at SCBMCH in Cuttack

A recent evaluation by a committee appointed by the Orissa High Court has revealed significant deficiencies in healthcare services at the SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack. The report, which focused on conditions in the burn and newborn care units, highlighted a severe shortage of space, inadequate staffing, and a lack of essential medical equipment.

During the inspection, the committee led by Dr. Biswajit Mishra from the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery department noted that each burn patient requires isolation to minimize the risk of infection. Currently, the burn unit operates with only nine Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, of which one is in a cabin, five are in a separate room, and the remaining beds are in an open area. Alarmingly, only one dresser is available for this unit, indicating an urgent need for at least four additional staff members.

The report further revealed that the situation worsens during night shifts, where a single nursing officer oversees the entire unit. This setup compromises the level of care that can be provided to patients, as burn dressings need to be changed up to four times daily, depending on their condition.

Recommendations for Immediate Action

The committee expressed concerns about the limited space available for patients. To address this, it recommended that the five closely positioned beds be separated using plywood partitions and glass fittings to provide a more suitable environment for recovery. Additionally, the report called for the immediate appointment of at least three more dressers.

Similar issues were identified in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), where inadequate space and staffing have been impacting patient care. The inspection found that two newborns are often placed in a single tray for observation due to space constraints. There is currently no dedicated ICU facility for newborns immediately following birth or surgery, which raises serious concerns about the quality of care being provided.

The report noted that some medical equipment is stored outside the designated areas in a glass enclosure, further complicating access to necessary resources. Despite repeated requests from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department for additional space, personnel, and equipment, no actions have been taken to address these critical needs.

The findings of this report underscore the urgent requirement for improvements at SCBMCH to ensure that patients receive the quality of care they deserve. Without immediate action, both burn and newborn patients remain at risk in an already strained healthcare environment.