Infection risk in MYH operation theatres:Roofs leak, surgeries on rusted tables; ₹7.2 crore new block shut for 3 years

Indore’s largest government hospital, MY Hospital, is facing serious issues in its operation theatres, raising concerns over infection risks for patients. In the emergency OT complex, several operation tables are rusted, and plaster is peeling off damp walls in many places. In some areas, water is also seen dripping from the ceiling. Despite spending ₹7.20 crore on constructing nine modular operation theatres, these have not been made operational even after three years. The new machines and equipment are lying unused and gathering dust. Due to non-functional OTs, surgeries are being affected even as patient load continues to rise. Currently, around 180 surgeries are conducted daily. If the new OTs become operational, this number could exceed 200. New OTs lying closed reducing minor surgeries Data shows that while total surgeries remain high, the number of minor surgeries has seen fluctuations: 2023: 92,428 total operations, 14,544 major, 77,884 minor 2024: 1,03,830 total operations, 17,137 major, 86,693 minor 2025: 86,841 total operations, 17,732 major, 69,109 minor Modular OTs built in 2021–22, yet to start in 2023 The modular OTs were constructed between 2021 and 2022 and were supposed to be operational by 2023. Around ₹7.20 crore was spent on building them. However, due to a dispute over the leaking roof of an eight-metre-wide corridor in the complex, the facility could not be started. There has also been disagreement between the PWD and hospital administration. Will take three more months after repairs Officials say that even after resolving the issues, it may take another 2–3 months to start the OTs. Around 13 doctors have also been shifted from the medicine department to the trauma centre to manage patient load. Earlier, the Collector had inspected the hospital and directed that the OTs be made operational at the earliest. Improvement process underway Efforts to start the modular OT complex are currently underway. The hospital administration claims that work is in progress to resolve the issues. — Dr Ashok Yadav, Superintendent, MY Hospital