Complaints mount against Devanahalli Public Hospital

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: A host of complaints from the public regarding the Devanahalli Public Hospital has prompted Deputy Lokayukta Justice B. Birappa to conduct a thorough inspection of the facility.

Justice Birappa visited various offices, including the public hospital, taluk office, social welfare department and dormitories to assess the infrastructure and gather feedback from inpatients.

During the visit, Justice Birappa received numerous grievances concerning the hospital's services. One major issue highlighted was the absenteeism of doctors.

Out of the 12 doctors employed at the public hospital, only six were present “at any given point of time”, leaving many patients without adequate medical care.

The Deputy Lokayukta emphasised that substitute doctors should be appointed whenever a regular doctor is on leave, given the high volume of patients seeking treatment daily. Another significant concern raised was the alleged misconduct of some dentists.

Reports indicated that certain dentists were directing patients from the public hospital to their private clinics, effectively turning away those in need of care at the public facility. Justice Birappa instructed hospital officials to investigate these allegations and provide details about the private practices of the involved dentists.

The lack of obstetricians at the hospital was also a point of contention. Despite a high number of deliveries, only one obstetrician was available, causing many expectant mothers to go to private hospitals.

Complaints were also made about a dedicated mother and child hospital, which has been operational for two years but “remains underutilised due to the absence of medical staff”.