Home / Health / Kerala Hospital's Haematology Unit Overloaded, Awaiting Department Status
Kerala Hospital's Haematology Unit Overloaded, Awaiting Department Status
28 Jul
Summary
- Hospital's Haematology dept functions as part of General Medicine.
- Over two decades, patients demand specialized haematology center.
- Human Rights Commission seeks swift decision on department.
A proposal for an independent Department of Haematology at MCH Kozhikode remains pending with the Directorate of Medical Education (DME). Currently, the department functions as an extension of the General Medicine department, which sees 300-400 outpatients daily and admits 100-130 patients. Patients and relatives are pressing for a dedicated department and increased staffing due to the high number of individuals seeking treatment for blood disorders, particularly thalassemia and haemophilia, which are more prevalent in the Malabar region.
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has directed health officials to expedite a decision on the demand for a separate haematology department. This directive follows a petition alleging that patients, including those with immune deficiencies, are forced to lie on the floor due to insufficient beds. The commission also requested details on required posts, infrastructure, and funds.
College authorities acknowledge that daily patient influx often exceeds their capacity, leading to the shifting of patients to other wards or corridors. The Haematology department itself has a reported capacity of 52 beds, with limitations on admitting patients beyond this number. Despite these constraints, the demand for a separate department has been submitted to the DME, highlighting the growing need for specialized care.
