Title - Railway staffers protest mess at hospital TNN | Sep 19, 2012, 06.20AM IST

NAGPUR: The National Railway Mazdoor Union (NRMU) has protested the apathy of the administration in improving the health of the Central Railway Hospital at Nagpur.

On Tuesday, NRMU staged a protest against the closure of counters on Monday and then X-ray department on Tuesday. Many patients had to return without undergoing treatment. According to divisional secretary of NRMU Habib Khan, the hospital has 22 posts of doctors but it doesn't have ENT, chest and skin specialists, There is also no psychiatrist.

Over 24 posts of paramedical staff including X-ray technicians, pharmacists, nursing, health inspectors, and clerks are lying vacant. There is also a shortage of life saving drugs, Khan alleged.

"When we raised the issue with chief medical superintendent (CMS) he told us there is a shortage of paramedical staff and hence the problem," said Khan.

CMS Dr C N Piprikar said counters and X-ray machine were non-functional as there was tiff between one of the patients and an attendant. He admitted that there was no radiographer at the hospital to handle X-ray machine.

On the shortage of paramedical staff, CMS said the issue had been solved eight selected candidates reported for medical examination. A senior personnel department official, who did not wish to be quoted, said the problem at the hospital is not related to appointments. "Call letters have been issued to 18 candidates and we expect them to join soon," he added.

Many railway employees, who come from remote stations complained they suffered as medicines were supplied to them for a short period. They have to come frequently at Nagpur. They also complained about huge gap in demand and supply. Khan alleged there were also no security guards posted at the hospital despite demand at various forums.