Gastroenterology department to be set up in Ernakulam GH

In a bid to enhance patient care, the General Hospital (GH), Ernakulam, will start a Gastroenterology department in January. This will be the first such facility in a public-sector hospital in Ernakulam.

“The absence of such a facility in the public sector has been causing problems for patients, who are forced to seek external consultations. This will be addressed once the department is set up,” said Dr. Shahirsha R., medical superintendent.

Dr. T. Paulose George, a retired senior consultant gastroenterologist, will initially oversee the department’s operations and provide his services on a voluntary basis.

Dr. George, who has 30 years of experience in the National Health Service, U.K., said that the financial disparity in accessing gastro-related medical services would be addressed with the establishment of the department.

“The gastroenterology unit is long overdue in the public sector. There is no shortage of gastroenterologists in the district, but most work in the private sector, making their services unaffordable for many. This unit is being established solely to address this disparity and ensure accessibility and affordability,” said Dr. George.

Diagnostic services offered in the initial phase will include oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, an examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract that helps diagnose cancer, ulcers, and acid reflux. Other planned services include colonoscopy and therapeutic endoscopy. “We will begin the other services once the funding is secured,” said the superintendent.

The department will operate in the hospital’s super-speciality block. In the initial phase, services will be limited to internal referrals from physicians and surgeons at the GH and the nearby cancer centre.

Fund crunch

The cost of setting up the unit is ₹1.5 crore. At present, the funds are being met through the hospital’s own resources and CSR contributions. According to the hospital sources, the fund crunch is proving a major hurdle to establishing a full-fledged gastroenterology unit.

“Setting up and running a gastroenterology department requires significant funds, which is why such facilities are lacking in the public sector. Those bearing the brunt of this are the financially disadvantaged, who cannot access these medical services. Our efforts are focused on addressing this gap,” said Dr. George.

According to him, the equipment is costly, and so is its maintenance. “We need another ₹75 lakh to fully set up the department. Until the remaining equipment is procured, we can provide diagnosis only,” he said.