The proposal to establish a dedicated Haematology department at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital is still pending, leaving thousands of blood disorder patients struggling with inadequate facilities.

Key Takeaways

  • The Haematology unit currently operates merely as an extension of General Medicine.
  • Patients with Thalassemia and Haemophilia are disproportionately high in the Malabar region.
  • The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has intervened, demanding immediate action.
  • Severe shortage of beds has forced critical patients to occupy corridors.

A long-standing proposal to set up an independent Department of Haematology at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Kozhikode, remains stalled with the Directorate of Medical Education (DME). Currently, the unit functions as a sub-section of the General Medicine department, leading to massive logistical hurdles.

Kareem Karassery, State President of the Kerala Blood Patients Protection Council, highlighted that the Malabar region sees a significantly higher prevalence of blood disorders like thalassemia and haemophilia compared to the rest of Kerala. The council has been advocating for a specialized center for over two decades.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the current departmental structure is failing to meet the sheer volume of patients. With 300 to 400 outpatients attending the General Medicine section daily and over 100 admissions required, the existing six units are overwhelmed. This administrative bottleneck directly impacts the quality of care for life-threatening blood conditions.

The lack of a dedicated haematology infrastructure is creating a critical gap in specialized medical care for the Malabar population.

In response to petitions alleging that patients are being forced to lie on hospital floors due to bed shortages, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission has issued a directive. The Commission has called upon the Additional Chief Secretary (Health) and the DME to expedite a decision and submit a report detailing the required funds, staff, and infrastructure.

Historical Context

Kozhikode MCH has traditionally served as a lifeline for Northern Kerala. However, as the prevalence of genetic blood disorders has risen, the hospital's infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the specialized needs of these patients, leading to the current crisis of overcrowding.

Did You Know?: Haematology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is a separate department necessary?
A separate department would provide specialized staff and dedicated beds specifically for blood disorder patients, reducing the burden on General Medicine.

2. What action has the Human Rights Commission taken?
The Commission has directed health authorities to take a decision on the demand as soon as possible and provide a resource requirement report.