Traffic Woes Impact Patients Accessing New MGMMCH Campus

Patients and their families are facing significant challenges in reaching the new campus of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital (MGMMCH) located in Dimna, Jamshedpur. Traffic congestion on the Jaiprakash Narayan Setu (Mango Bridge) and heavy traffic on the Mango-Dimna road are exacerbating the situation. The one-kilometer stretch connecting the new campus to the old facility is obstructed by shops on both sides, further slowing down traffic movement.

Social activists have voiced their frustration and are calling on Karn Satyarthi, the East Singhbhum deputy commissioner, to reinstate emergency services at the hospital’s previous location in Sakchi. Activist Manu Dhoke emphasized the critical need for immediate medical care during emergencies, stating, “If emergency services are resumed in the old building, road accident and other health emergencies can be provided immediate medical care.”

The situation has become more dire with the onset of monsoon rains, which have left the Mango-Dimna road riddled with potholes. This has resulted in ambulances taking longer to reach the new hospital campus. A resident of Chowka, Haradhan Das, recounted a distressing experience when he had to transport his brother, Shatrughan, aged 19, to a private hospital due to the lack of ambulance service at MGMMCH.

As a result of these transportation issues, residents from areas such as Bagbera, Rajanagar, Jugsalai, Sundernagar, and Pursudih are increasingly turning to Jamshedpur Sadar Hospital for urgent medical needs. Officials at JSH report a growing patient load, attributing this increase to the difficulties faced in accessing MGMMCH.

On August 15, 2023, Satyarthi instructed Mango circle officer Brajesh Shrivastav to take action against encroachments along the Mango-Dimna road in collaboration with police forces. While this effort aims to alleviate some traffic congestion, officials at MGMMCH have confirmed that there are currently no plans to resume emergency services at the old campus.

Principal Dr. Diwakar Hansda stated, “Regular medical care services at the old building stopped since the new building became functional two months ago, and there’s no proposal to resume emergency services or station an ambulance at the old building.”

The ongoing difficulties continue to raise concerns among local residents and health advocates who are eager for solutions to ensure timely medical care can be accessed without the current barriers.