Cuttack: The SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack is using 33-year-old instruments for open heart surgeries.
The SCBMCH is the only hospital in the state where open heart surgery is being done free at its cardiothoracic surgery department. However, the department uses instruments like sternal saw, scissors and niddle, which were purchased in 1985.
Sources said the department has a capacity of 34 beds, and around 150 patients come to its OP. Of these patients at least 24 are admitted. The department conducts at least five open heart surgeries and five non-open heart surgeries every week.
The sternal saw which is used to split breastbones was bought in 1985, and sometimes fails during surgeries.
The transesophageal echocardiograph is used to create pictures of the operated part through echo after the surgery is over. This is used to ensure that the operation was done properly.
The lack of vital instruments forces patients to visit the hospital again and again for the same problem after surgery is done.
There are two blood gas analysers which measure oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Out of the two one breaks down frequently.
The cardiothoracic surgery department was set up in 1966. But essential instruments are not available at the department even now, and very old instruments like scissors and niddles create problems during surgeries.
The head of the cardiothoracic surgery department, Dr Manoj Patnaik, said they had informed the government about this several times. The government had also assured to solve the problem.
SCBMCH Administrative Officer Kalpataru Behera said the government was given the list of instruments required. Some were supplied. The rest would be provided in phases, Behera added.
PNN
