LARKANA:As many as 1757 newborns died in three units of Paeds Medicine Department (PMD) of the Chandka Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Larkana, during 2018 against admission of 25702 out of which 18421 children were discharged, 1633 were referred to other Hospitals and 2146 Left Against Medical Advice (LAMA) during the same 12 months. This was revealed in the statistical data obtained by this Scribe. In this way, approximately 147 kids expired monthly in all three units of the PMD which according to the PMD Deputy Medical Superintendent (DMS) is below the prescribed death ratio of World Health Organization (WHO). In January 125 under 5-year children died, in February 131, in March 110, 88 in April, 179 in May, 145 in June, 137 in July, 246 in August, 122 in September, 135 in October, 162 in November and 177 in December 2018.
The DMS said that according to WHO criteria, average 85 under 5-year kids may loose their lives per 1000 children. He said there is no difference between the kids of Tharparkar and Larkana adding every health facility in Thar has got an ambulance to shift the relevant patient/s free of cost to any suitable hospital even to Hyderabad. He said latest medical equipment and instruments have been supplied to Thar hospitals whereas we have machinery of 2003 model. He said modern ventilators and incubators have been supplied to Thar Hospitals but our six ventilators procured in 2003 are still dysfunctional and lying idle because there are no trained operators to run them. Each unit should have latest digital X-Ray machine but outdated machine is working which need to be replaced forthwith.
Another senior doctor said on condition of anonymity (as they alleged that they have been directed not to talk to Media by the district administration) that 2146 patients were LAMA during the last year which proves scarcity of proper facilities in the PMD including ventilators. He said medicines were in short supply last year and even during current year acute shortage is being faced by the poor parents who brought their children here to get specialized medical treatment free of cost to save their lives but it costs them more.
Another sources at the CMCH Central Drug Store disclosed that medicines have been received but the same need to be inspected by the committee notified by the Health Department adding some of the drugs have been cleared by the inspection teams and others are awaiting. He said after inspection the medicines will be supplied to the CMCH sub-stores.
Despite repeated calls to the CMCH Medical Superintendent Dr. Ali Gohar Dahri and Head of Department of Pediatric Medicine, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Prof Arbab Junejo for having their views over the issues, they disconnected calls instead of responding.