Underqualified staff deployed at ICU in Thane

THANE: A surprise visit by senior civic officials to the Saket hospital has revealed deployment of under-qualified staff instead of qualified doctors to attend critical Covid patients following which the administration has now sought explanation from the agency hired to provide manpower.
According to municipal officials requesting anonymity, a surprise visit by senior staff from the health department and the hospital management, was held last week, following which the teams spotted absence of qualified doctors.“The inspectors randomly checked credentials of the on-duty staff independently manning the ICUs and other units and were shocked to know they were either students or interns,” said an official.
It may be noted the medical staff deployment at the Saket hospital was outsourced in July. It is learnt the agency that was allegedly recommended by a senior leader and is now likely to be given an extension to provide manpower for the facility.
“A surprise inspection revealed students and interns deputed to oversee Covid patients and also manage ICU operations, which is not allowed as it could prove dangerous,” said a municipal official privy to the happenings.
Sandeep Malvi, deputy municipal commissioner at the Thane corporation remained unavailable for comment.