Susner (Madhya Pradesh): Collector Raghavendra Singh has ordered an investigation into construction of the new building at Susner Civil Hospital.
The probe is focused on whether the building was constructed according to the approved map and guidelines. However, government officials are reportedly not including health department rules, especially the National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) guidelines in this investigation. This matter was also raised in Free Press on May 19.
The upgradation from sub-health centre to the district hospital at Susner faces criticism as many sections do not meet the NQAS standards. A four-member team led by additional collector RP Verma is investigating the matter on Singh’s instructions.
Despite the Health Department’s clear rules for constructing and operating health facilities, district and local officials show little interest in ensuring these rules are followed.
The Health Department inspects hospitals regularly to ensure they meet NQAS standards. Most sections of the new Susner Hospital building, such as wards and medicine rooms, are reported to be built without following these standards. The investigation will examine irregularities like the choice of location and whether the construction matches the prepared map.
Earlier this year, seven health centres in Susner block earned NQAS certification and plans are in place to ensure that Civil Hospital also meets that standard. However, the current investigation is limited to verifying whether the construction matches the map.
