Allegations of irregular OPD timings have surfaced at Kalna Subdistrict Hospital and Kalna Superspeciality Hospital. The OPD is supposed to begin at 9 AM, but patients claim it rarely opens before 10:15 AM to 10:30 AM. Both hospitals operate within the same complex, with the superspeciality building constructed after the change of government in the state.
A large population from Kalna subdivision in East Bardhaman, along with patients from nearby Hooghly and Nadia districts, depend on these hospitals. Many patients expressed their frustration on Monday over delays in OPD services. Another major complaint is regarding the ticket counter, which is scheduled to open at 8 AM but usually opens around 9:15 AM.
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Santoshi Mandal, who had come to consult an orthopaedic doctor, said, “I have been waiting for a long time. A long queue has formed. Most days, the doctors don’t come on time. USG is supposed to start at 9 AM, but it’s almost 10:30 AM every day.” Patients also complained about medicine shortages. Manojit Biswas, who brought his daughter Sneha for treatment, said, “The doctor prescribed three medicines. I got one at the hospital. I’ll have to buy two from outside.”
Relatives of admitted patients also raised concerns. Tanushree, whose father Tapas Biswas is admitted in the medicine department, said, “I admitted my father on Saturday with symptoms of breathing difficulty and cough. The doctor has seen him twice till Monday. Even when it worsened on Sunday night, the doctor didn’t come.” Mirajul Sheikh, a relative of patient Shahbanu Bibi, added, “She is admitted with symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. Seven tests have been prescribed. Two of them were done at the hospital. The remaining five will have to be done outside.”
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Responding to the complaints, hospital assistant superintendent Gautam Biswas said, “No one has complained about doctors coming late to the OPD. If the concerned doctor is on ward rounds or in the OT, there might be delays.”
He added, “We had quite a few doctors here. Recently, 10 doctors, including one forensic medicine doctor, have joined. 62 new nurses also joined on Saturday. I hope we can provide better services from now on.”
Meanwhile, a lift malfunction was also reported at Kalna Superspeciality Hospital. The incident came to light after the RG Kar episode. The hospital has four modern lifts, and recently, a doctor was trapped inside one for about ten minutes before being safely rescued by lift staff. The assistant superintendent confirmed the incident. Hospital authorities have informed the company responsible for maintenance and asked them to take necessary action.
