Siliguri, July 30 -- The North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) decided to appoint dedicated nodal officers to accelerate the completion of major healthcare infrastructure projects at the hospital, including the long-pending Cancer Care Unit.

The announcement was made on Thursday by Minister of State for Transport and Finance and Rogi Kalyan Samity member Anandamay Barman after a meeting of the hospital's Rogi Kalyan Samity.

Barman said three key projects-the Cancer Care Unit, Critical Care Unit and Super Speciality Block-have remained incomplete despite being under construction for a long time. To ensure faster implementation, one nodal officer will be assigned to each project to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks and submit detailed reports at the next Rogi Kalyan Samity meeting.

"Earlier meetings failed to produce tangible results. This time, each project will have a dedicated nodal officer responsible for ensuring its timely completion. They will identify what is required to expedite the work and take the necessary steps," Barman said.

The minister also assured strict action against the hospital's alleged broker network, which has long been a source of harassment for patients and their families. An inquiry committee has already been formed to investigate complaints.

To prevent patients from falling prey to touts, the hospital will install signboards across the campus stating that all services are provided free of cost. The functioning of the Patient Assistance Centre will also be strengthened to provide better guidance to visitors.

Responding to allegations that money was demanded from a family for keeping a body in the hospital morgue, Barman confirmed that an investigation has been initiated into the incident.

He further said the state Health Department would consider increasing the hospital's bed capacity if required. "No patient should have to lie on the floor for treatment. We will ensure adequate arrangements are made," he added.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.