SMS hosp surveys state of bldg after mishap in surgery ward

JAIPUR: After plaster and bricks from the ceiling fell upon two patients in the surgery ward, causing serious injuries to one of them, on May 1, SMS Hospital authorities have now identified several areas in the hospital buidling that require repair. Areas needing urgent repair and maintenance have been categorised as emergency work. Minor works that require maintenance but are not emergencies have been categorised as short-term works, and those that need to be completed over a longer duration have been categorised as long-term works.

With the help of PWD engineers, the hospital administration has now conducted a survey of its entire building, officials said. "The repair and maintenance work after the survey will start within a week," said Dr Sushil Bhati, medical superintendent of the hospital.

The state govt took serious note of the incident of ceiling material collapse and relieved three officials from their charge of monitoring and conducting repair work.

During the survey, PWD engineers and hospital administration identified areas where plaster on ceilings and false ceilings, and other such areas of the building, could cause injuries to patients. Such areas, which are dangerous for patients and the hospital staff, will be repaired as emergency work. The hospital administration also identified places where water is leaking. They checked electricity wiring as short circuits could cause fires.

With the monsoon arriving in two months, the administration identified areas where waterlogging makes life difficult for patients and hospital staff. There are wards that witness waterlogging almost every monsoon. Dr Bhati said about this, "Repair and maintenance work related to the monsoon will also start within a week."

SMS Hospital's main building is quite old and requires regular maintenance and monitoring.