Device Shortage Halts Key Procedures at Kerala’s SCTIMST
The Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), a renowned medical research and treatment center in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has been forced to suspend non-emergency neuro and peripheral interventional procedures due to a severe shortage of medical devices. This decision, aimed at streamlining procurement, has left patients and their families in distress, while also attracting the attention of local politicians.
The shortage of medical devices has been a long-standing issue in India, with hospitals and medical research centers struggling to maintain adequate stock levels. However, the situation at SCTIMST is particularly concerning, given the institute’s reputation for providing high-quality medical care and its role as a hub for medical research and innovation.
According to reports, the shortage of medical devices at SCTIMST has been ongoing for several months, with the institute’s management only recently deciding to suspend non-emergency procedures. The decision was taken to prevent stockouts and ensure that the institute’s medical staff have adequate supplies of devices to treat patients in emergency situations.
The suspension of procedures has had a significant impact on patients, many of whom had been waiting for treatment for extended periods. Patients who had been scheduled for non-emergency procedures, such as neurointerventions and peripheral angioplasty, have been left in limbo, with no clear indication of when they will be able to receive treatment.
The situation has also sparked outrage among local politicians, who have demanded that the state government take immediate action to address the shortage of medical devices. Opposition leaders have accused the government of being responsible for the crisis, citing the lack of effective procurement and supply chain management.
The shortage of medical devices at SCTIMST is not an isolated incident. Hospitals and medical research centers across India have been grappling with similar issues, with many relying on imports to meet their device needs. However, the current shortage has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted global supply chains and led to shortages of essential medical devices.
The shortage of medical devices at SCTIMST highlights the need for effective supply chain management and procurement strategies. Medical research and treatment centers like SCTIMST require a steady supply of high-quality devices to provide optimal care to patients. However, the current shortage has left patients and medical staff struggling to cope with the situation.
In conclusion, the device shortage at SCTIMST is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. The suspension of non-emergency procedures has left patients in distress, while also highlighting the need for effective supply chain management and procurement strategies. It is essential that the state government and medical research and treatment centers like SCTIMST work together to address this issue and ensure that patients receive the medical care they need.
News Source:
https://newskarnataka.com/india/device-shortage-stalls-brain-procedures-at-sctimst-patients-suffer/11062025/
