SHILLONG, June 24: On its 75th year, Nazareth Hospital has created a state-of-the-art annexe with the latest equipment, especially catering to gynaecology and infant/child care. The ICU is equipped with the latest technology and so are the waiting rooms for attendants. Even the door opening system into the special wards are state of the art.
Taking the audience through the journey of Nazareth Hospital since it began in 1959 as a dispensary till the present, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Gordon Rangad, who has been a pillar of support to the institution, said, “We have tried to do our best within the space constraints. Our motto is to do the best we can with what we have. At one time, the best surgeon was one who bade the biggest cut. Today that is reversed. We try not to be invasive and modern equipment assists us in this. But people had survived then and we are hopeful they will continue to survive in the present too.”
Dr Rangad, however, reminded all present that it is not the equipment but the care given through the equipment which is central to healthcare. Today, Nazareth Hospital has a Cardiology, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics and Opthalmology Department. The standard of care in Obstretics and Gynaecology has been raised to assure safe delivery.
Dr Rangad further informed that at present it is possible to do thorascoscopic surgeries.
Even the department of anesthesia is now using high-end equipment. He said the hospital has several outreach programmes to schools etc., to train students on basic life support and resuscitation. To ensure professional growth, Dr Rangad said several continuing medical education (CME) and postgraduate courses are bring provided because the human potential is as important if not more important than the equipment.
Dr Rangad paid heartful tribute to all the staff of the hospital, cleaners, ward boys and girls and watchmen without whom Nazareth Hospital would not be able to run.
He also lauded the Out Patient Department (OPD) and said, “They are the reason for our survival.”
He ended by reminded all of the adage – Freely have we received, freely give and the motto of Nazareth Hospital – To Love, To Give, To Heal.
Sr Noreen, Administrator Nazareth Hospital paid tribute to all who have had a hand in the construction and completion of the annexe. They included officials from the Shillong Municipal Board, Urban Affairs, the contractor and also the members of the Dorbar Shnong Laitumkhrah.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh had to step in for Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who was initially supposed to inaugurate the Annexe. Sangma had to rush to Delhi for an important meeting, Ampareen informed the gathering.
In what can be called a moment of deep reflection, the Health minister lauded Nazareth Hospital for serving suffering humanity for the past 75 years. She praised the doctors, nurses and all the support staff of Nazareth Hospital and paid special tribute to the Sisters of Holy Cross Menzingen, North Indian Province, who are currently running the hospital efficiently and with dedication. Ampareen also lauded the doctors who could have left to take up more lucrative positions elsewhere but chose to remain with Nazareth Hospital.
Pointing to Nazareth Hospital and its ability to deliver quality healthcare, Ampareen asked, “What is it that drives institutions to excel? What is it that we don’t have within the government system to provide the same kind of committed health care delivery? The unfortunate part is that where we have equipment there is no technical human resource. Hence the machines remain unused and deteriorate.”
Stating that is her personal commitment and that of the present government to ensure a robust healthcare system, Ampareen said, “Government is trying to learn from the best practices of private healthcare institutions like Nazareth Hospital.”
The minister admitted that the Achilles heel of the healthcare system in Meghalaya is the high maternal and infant mortality and said that this needed to be addressed with a fresh mindset. She said the Nazareth Annexe will be able to address the weakest point in the healthcare system and the government would like to partner with Nazareth Hospital in improving healthcare delivery.
Stating that the government wants to ensure a high quality of life for all but individuals also have a duty to look after their health through better food practices, exercise, walking and reducing the stress factors since hypertension has become a common factor.
“We hope to come up with doable policies and to reach out to the last person in the last mile. I am aware that Nazareth Hospital has some off campus outreach such as in Mairang and government would be happy to partner with you. I am also delighted to learn that Nazareth Hospital is running programmes for continuous learning of the medical staff. Government spends a lot on such short term staff development programmes outside the state. If such programmes are available closer home it would benefit the state,” Ampareen said.
Speaking of affordable healthcare, Ampareen said the MHIS is one such assistance for poor families and Nazareth Hospital is one of the centres where MHIS is implemented. However, she admitted that government is yet to reimburse the Hospital an amount of over Rs 4 crore which she stated was being looked into.
Ampareen also informed the gathering that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma gave Rs 25 lakh to Nazareth Hospital as assistance for the new wing.
Others who spoke on the occasion include Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh and Sr Lynnette, the provincial of Holy Cross Sisters.
Fr Richard Majaw, Vicar General, offered prayers on the auspicious occasion.
