Visakhapatnam Member of Parliament M. Sribharat on Tuesday called for comprehensive reforms to improve healthcare services at King George Hospital (KGH). He stressed the need for better supervision, efficient utilisation of staff and stronger patient guidance systems.

The MP, along with Visakhapatnam District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore, conducted a Hospital Development Committee meeting at Andhra Medical College after inspecting various departments at the hospital, including the outpatient wing, paediatric section, orthopaedic ward and emergency care facilities.

During the review meeting, Mr. Sribharat said complaints were being received regarding delays in services due to shortage or non-availability of staff in certain sections. He directed officials to reduce waiting time for MRI scans, CT scans and laboratory tests.

The MP also pointed to disparities in bed utilisation, noting that while some wards were overcrowded, beds in other departments remained vacant. He called for better coordination and redistribution of resources.

He instructed hospital authorities to improve emergency care facilities, address air-conditioning issues, maintain cleanliness in toilets and ensure availability of stretchers and parking facilities. He also stressed the need for effective help desks to assist patients and attendants.

Expressing concern over shortages of medicines and medical supplies, Mr. Sribharat directed officials to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential drugs provided free under government healthcare services. He also warned against illegal collections allegedly being made by certain staff and outsourced personnel.

Mr. Kishore said eight “May I Help You” desks were already established in the hospital premises and added that steps were being taken to strengthen patient guidance and follow-up systems.

The meeting was attended by Visakhapatnam South MLA Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, NTR Vaidya Seva Trust Chairman Seethamraju Sudhakar, Andhra Medical College Principal Dr. Sandhya Devi and senior doctors.