Service deficiency tarnishes image of Sir JJ hospital

Even after more than 150 years of its existence, the state government-run Sir JJ hospital in Byculla has failed to evolve into a full-fledged facility where patients can get all treatment under one roof.

Besides, most of its important departments such as nephrology and endocrinology have not been functioning for a long time.

Being one of the referral centres for other hospitals, the 1,352-bed facility is always packed to its capacity. Often patients are forced to sleep on the floor or in the corridors. 

Even though this is one of the oldest hospitals, the government has not found it necessary to appoint adequate experts. Therefore, JJ Hospital refers patients who come for treatment of kidney, liver and endocrine-related ailments to other hospitals. Moreover, most specialists prefer to run private practise.

Every year, the government spends around Rs181 crore on the hospital but it still lacks amenities. 

The recent Dockyard Road building collapse highlighted the lack of trauma management centre at the city’s largest health facility as most of those injured were admitted to JJ Hospital.

Doctors admitted that they found it difficult to provide comprehensive emergency medical services to patients suffering from trauma. This has put focus on the city’s oldest hospital’s lack of facilities.

The state government’s priorities seem to be skewed, said doctors, pointing to the recent grant of Rs600 crore to build a 19-storey super-specialty wing on the campus. Permission is yet to be granted for a Rs45-crore trauma care centre, which is an urgent need.

Dr TP Lahane, an eye surgeon and dean of the institution, admitted there were deficiencies. He said, “We are working hard to set up departments like trauma care. We are already in talks with the government in this regard. We have also sought an increase in doctors’ remuneration,” said Dr Lahane, a Padma Shri awardee.

He added: “Our hospital has always been patient-centric. Recently, we sent a proposal to the government to increase the bed capacity to 2,200. The approval should come through any day.’’

Sir JJ Hospital is one of the oldest and largest hospitals in south-east Asia. The hospital was established by philanthropist Sir Jameshdji Jeejeebhoy.

It has 16 operation theatres, 38 departments and 3,000 to 3,500 patients are treated daily in its out-patient department. Around 1,100 patients are admitted daily and 200 surgeries are performed every day. On an average, 28,000 major and 45,000 minor surgeries are performed annually.