GGH chief’s birthday fete at hospital kicks up row

NIZAMABAD: The birthday celebrations of Government General Hospital (GGH) superintendent Dr Prathima Raj on Saturday sparked controversy as patients and their attendants accused hospital staff of neglecting their duties to participate in the event.

During the celebrations at her chamber, hospital staff decorated the area and greeted Dr Raj in a phased manner. However, the festivities coincided with the arrival of patients needing urgent care, leading to objections from some quarters. For example, Bidya Naik of Kalyapur village in Renjal mandal brought his wife, Laxmi, to the hospital on Friday night. Due to the unavailability of scanning facilities, Naik had to carry his wife on his shoulders, and videos of the incident went viral on social media.

Nizamabad Urban MLA Dhanpal Suryanarayana Gupta and his staff intervened, directing hospital authorities to provide the necessary treatment. In response to the backlash, Dr Prathima Raj addressed the concerns to Deccan Chronicle, stating that the hospital was unaware of the patient being carried on shoulders. She explained that measures were taken for the patient, who suffered from liquor withdrawal symptoms, and was subsequently moved to the 7th floor for observation. “The condition of the patient is stable, and some individuals are intentionally defaming the hospital,” she asserted.

Ketavath Bidya Naik expressed his frustration, saying, “We are worried about the recovery of my wife as I have two daughters below five years old. The hospital staff initially refused to conduct scanning, and only after our agitation did they comply.”

Conversely, some attendees defended the hospital’s actions. Nazma Begum, a patient attendant from Malapally, stated, “Our uncle was admitted three days ago and never faced any difficulty. Hospital staff should focus on patient care rather than celebrations.”

A. Shyam Sunder of Navipet voiced his disapproval, adding, “The birthday celebration diverted the attention of staff who were on emergency duty. Higher officials should take action.”

Rajamma, a night shift worker at GGH, noted that the superintendent’s birthday celebration occurred in the morning, with a lunch provided to staff. “We are night shift employees and were unable to participate,” she said. Dr Prathima Raj defended the event, claiming it did not disrupt patient care and emphasised that such celebrations are common in the hospital.