Kozhikode MCH Plans Trial Run Ahead of PMSSY Block Reopening

Speedy Summary:

• The super-speciality and emergency care wing of Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH), Kozhikode, temporarily closed after minor explosions in the UPS room near the MRI scanning unit on May 2 and May 5.
• Patients were evacuated twice due to fire incidents, causing operational difficulties. Emergency care services have been shifted to the old casualty building over the last two months.
• Authorities planned a thorough inspection involving state Electrical Inspectorate, Public Works Department’s electrical wing, biomedical engineering experts, and doctors from multiple government hospitals before reopening.
• Persistent water leakage issues are yet to be fully resolved; repairs for MRI equipment via a private company remain incomplete. There are 19 operating theatres under inspection for functionality.
• During a review chaired by District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, it was decided that trial runs would be conducted before reopening by July-end.
• The congested old casualty block has created discomfort for patients and staff; surgeries are being delayed or rescheduled. Findings from an expert committee investigating patient inconvenience during fire outbreaks have not yet been disclosed.

Published: July 09, 2025

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The temporary closure of Kozhikode’s GMCH emergency care wing underscores challenges in infrastructure maintenance at critical public healthcare facilities. Repeated incidents highlight the need for stringent monitoring mechanisms to prevent mishaps that disrupt essential services.

notable delays in repairing medical equipment and unresolved structural issues such as water leakage reflect inefficiencies likely stemming from fragmented coordination between government teams and private contractors. Additionally, moving operations back to an older facility has put strain on patients and medical staff alike while hindering timely surgical procedures-exacerbating logistical stress during emergencies.

Closure decisions based on expert reviews provide assurance of a cautious approach toward safety but also raise questions about accountability for systemic failures leading up to these accidents. Ensuring updated findings from inquiry committees will be crucial so lessons can inform improvements in hospital management across similar institutions nationwide.

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