9-Jun-2014
HUBLI: An understanding reached between the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) and Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Science (DIMHANS) to share infrastructure and experts is likely to open new avenues for patients suffering from neurological complications.
The pact inked between the two premier institutions is in the final stages of its implementation.
When KIMS failed to appoint adequate neurosurgeons and neurologists, it turned to DIMHANS to avail the services of its experts. Since only one neurosurgeon is working against four sanctioned posts, the service of general surgeons is being taken to reduce work pressure. If cases are complicated, the patients are asked to get treated at private facilities.
Sources in KIMS said as Hubli is surrounded by national highways with heavy traffic, accidents are common. Injuries related to brain and spinal chord are common in accident cases and at least 40-45 such cases are being treated every month.
Under the pact, the KIMS shares healthcare infrastructure at Neurology Department (ND) with the DIMHANS and in return ND would use services of neurosurgeons /neurologists of DIMHANS.
It can also use the treatment facilities for its patients.
DIMHANS Director Dr D Nagaraj told Express that the pact was signed by taking approval from general councils of both the institutions and they were waiting for approval at the ministry level to upgrade facilities with advanced equipment.
As KIMS has infrastructure, DIMHANS has appointed three neurosurgeons apart from three neurologists. Another neurosurgeon likely to be appointed soon.
Despite having facilities like Computerised Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan and Trauma operation theatre, the KIMS is failing to serve the increasing cases related to neuro surgical problem because of shortage of specialists.
A dedicated ward for trauma cases is coming up at the institute.
The pact with DIMHANS could facilitate using the available infrastructure optimally, the sources added.
“Experienced neurosurgeons do not like to work in government institutions, that too in a secondary city like Hubli. But we have managed to appoint seven specialists and technical staff would be appointed in a month or two. Thus the available staff is sufficient,” Dr Nagaraj said.
DIMHANS, which was earlier a single specialty hospital, is being upgraded to multi-specialty and neurology too is coming up.
“A ward is being set up on its premises to run OPD of neurological problems with a plan of using facilities at the KIMS for surgeries,” the director said.
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