Maternity ward gets major facelift

KOCHI: The 48-bedded maternity ward at the Government General Hospital in Ernakulam has received a thorough facelift.The 150-year-old district hospital ward has got a major makeover worth Rs 27 lakh. The project was sponsored by GAIL.More tube lights and fans have been added to brighten up the ward. New tiles add to the feel of being at a good hospital. It is a far cry from the leaky roofs and narrow passages of the old ward.Hospital superintendent Junaid Rahman says, “Earlier, the rooms were very dingy and dark. But with the introduction of a better wiring system, the rooms look brighter.”He says that wiring and electrification has been completely improved. “We removed the hanging bulbs that gave the room a dark look and replaced it with two tubes per cubicle,” he adds.“More space has been created at the ward with the introduction of a verandah. There is sufficient space for more beds,” he says.Also, with the introduction of one fan for two beds in the four-cubicled ward, patients are more comfortable. “Earlier, the authorities were forced to put beds near the entrance so that it could be used for patients as well as their relatives due to paucity of space. Now, it is no longer required to do so as there is more space inside the ward,” he said.Another major change is in the flooring. Ceramic tiles have been replaced with vitrified tiles.A nurse said, “With the introduction of doors at every cubicle, a separate nursing station and examination room have been created.” Next on the renovation list is the orthopaedic ward of the hospital.