Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 23 Feb: District Magistrate, Dehradun, Savin Bansal today carried out a surprise but a comprehensive inspection of Coronation District Hospital. Undertaking a detailed review of health services and infrastructure and inspection of every ward, he issued a series of on-the-spot directives aimed at streamlining operations and improving patient care. Acting under the guidance of the Chief Minister, the DM stated that efforts are under way to transform the functioning and overall condition of the hospital and restore health services fully on track.
During the inspection, Bansal reviewed the progress of the under-construction blood bank and directed the executing agency to complete the work by 15 March 2026. He further ordered that a third-party inspection of the completed works be conducted to ensure quality standards. The district administration has already arranged for doctors, staff and necessary equipment for the blood bank at the district level to ensure that it becomes operational without delay.
In a significant decision taken in view of public convenience, the DM also extended the timings of the Central Pathology Laboratory by one hour with immediate effect. The laboratory, which was functioning at present till 11 a.m. for sample collection, will now remain open till 12 noon. The decision was taken after Bansal observed a large crowd outside the lab and was informed that the rush was due to limited working hours. He directed that all the patients waiting for sample submission on the day be attended to without fail.
The DM also inspected the functioning of the contracted Chandan Lab, which operates within the hospital premises. While reviewing compliance with the 24×7 operational clause in the agreement, he sought a detailed report of day and night samples collected over the past three months. When the laboratory in-charge was unable to furnish details of samples taken during night hours, Bansal directed the SDM (Sadar) and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to submit a joint report after verifying records of the past three months. He further ordered that, if the lab is found not operating as per contractual terms, half of its payment be withheld.
Immediate financial approval of Rs 10 lakhs was granted by the DM on the spot for repair works in the hospital kitchen, gynaecology operation theatre, warehouse and OPD block and directions were also issued to begin work without delay. Responding to complaints regarding the absence of a gynaecologist leading to referrals to other hospitals, the DM sought a joint report from the SDM (Sadar) and the CMO.
Bansal also inspected the emergency and general wards and interacted with the admitted patients and their attendants and enquired about cleanliness and food quality. He made it clear that any laxity in sanitation or in the quality of meals would not be tolerated. He also directed strict compliance with agreements signed with pharmaceutical companies and instructed the Principal Medical Superintendent to ensure that essential life-saving medicines remain adequately stocked at all times.
During his visit to the paediatric ward, the DM ordered that books from the ward library be regularly distributed to children and instructed that drawing and colouring materials be provided to encourage creativity. Observing a child using a mobile phone, he appealed to parents not to hand over phones to young children and instead engage them in creative activities.
The DM also inspected the SHGS-operated Hillans outlet, which reportedly caters to nearly 500 consumers daily. He interacted with visitors and attendants regarding food quality and found them satisfied with the services. The automated mechanical parking facility was also reviewed and found to be operating at full capacity, providing considerable relief to patients, attendants and the general public.
Among those who were present during the inspection were SDM (Sadar) and In-charge Health Officer, Harigiri, CMO Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, Principal Medical Superintendent Dr Mannu Jain, Promod Panwar, social worker Manmohan Khatri and other related officials.
