Plight of patients: Inadequate surgical facilities leave gaping hole at LRH

Doctors say many patients die while waiting to be operated on.

PESHAWAR:

Being the largest public hospital in the province, Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) deals with around 5,000 patients on a daily basis but lacks adequate surgical facilities.

Many patients who cover long distances to come to the hospital have to wait for days to undergo an operation, said a senior doctor requesting anonymity. He added there are four operation theatres in the casualty ward, but only two of them have been functional for the past several years.

“Orthopedic, general surgery, cardiovascular and other patients brought to the emergency unit in critical condition have to wait for days because operation theatres are reserved,” said the doctor. “Often, patients die waiting for their turn to be operated on.”

Israr Ali Khan, who brought his father to LRH from Upper Dir, said he has been waiting for a turn since three days. Khan said his father has a backbone problem and doctors recommended a surgery, which is why he rushed to the city. “We cannot afford treatment at a private hospital. But due to lack of facilities, we spend the nights out in the open with our relatives.”

Another doctor said the surgical instruments in use are old and of low quality, resulting in difficulties for doctors. “It is also harmful for patients.”

The surgical suture or thread used to stitch wounds is also of low quality, said the doctor, adding this prolongs the recovery period of patients.

He said the isolation ward reserved for dengue patients at LRH is situated in the premises of the casualty ward. “Both wards are very close to each other and no safety measures have been taken to ensure complete isolation. Dengue patients in the isolation ward could not only affect other patients, but doctors as well.”

LRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Arshad Javed, however, said all necessary steps have been taken to ensure no other patients or doctors are affected by those suffering from dengue. The CEO admitted only two operation theatres are functional. “The other two are used only in case of emergencies like a bomb blast. The new block being built will be completed soon, adding six new operation rooms.”

Commenting on the quality of surgical instruments, Dr Javed said it was the job of a specific committee at the hospital to decide which equipment to buy. “In the next purchasing order, we will advise them to purchase high quality sutures.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2013.