The Government Dental College in Hyderabad, the only state-run dental institution in Telangana, has faced significant challenges due to non-functional lifts, affecting both patients and students. This lack of accessibility has been a persistent issue for over six months, forcing patients, including those with disabilities, to struggle up the stairs to receive medical care.
Accessibility Crisis at Government Dental College
For the past six months, the lifts at the Government Dental College in Afzalgunj have been out of service, causing immense difficulties for patients, particularly those who are disabled or elderly. These patients are left with no choice but to navigate the staircases, often resulting in exhaustion and distress. In extreme cases, some have had to crawl up the stairs to access healthcare services on the upper floors.
The inoperability of the lifts has been a critical issue that students pursuing their BDS and Post-Graduation degrees have raised with senior health officials. Despite these efforts, the repairs have faced delays, prolonging the struggles of patients and students alike.
Students Raise Concerns Over Infrastructure and Academic Issues
Beyond the issue of the lifts, students at the Government Dental College have voiced numerous concerns regarding the institution’s infrastructure and academic environment. Several students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds have reported being forced out of their hostel accommodations under questionable circumstances.
“We have lodged a formal complaint against the management to the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) on Wednesday. Several BDS students are under severe mental stress due to the high-handed behavior of certain individuals in the college administration,” stated Dr. Md Manzur, National President of the All India Dental Surgeons Association (AIDSA).
DME Investigates Leadership Complaints
In response to the students’ grievances, the DME has established a committee to investigate the allegations against the college’s principal, Dr. P. Aruna. The committee’s mandate includes examining claims of ‘illogical and unrealistic behavior’ and other misconduct by Dr. Aruna.
Faculty and staff have also petitioned the Chancellor of Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) to intervene, citing a toxic work environment under Dr. Aruna’s leadership. The representation detailed a history of abusive behavior by Dr. Aruna, dating back to her tenure at Vijayawada Dental College.
Lift Issue and Broader Implications
One of the primary complaints against Dr. Aruna involves the hospital lift, which has been non-functional for over a year. Although there are indications that the lift is occasionally used by the principal, patients and faculty members with medical conditions continue to suffer due to its inaccessibility.
The completion of an operation theatre (OT) complex in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department has further exacerbated tensions. Despite the readiness of the OT complex, the principal has reportedly instructed faculty not to perform operations there, citing lack of government approval. This decision has led to significant patient suffering and friction between faculty and patients.
Moreover, faculty members have reported issues with the sanctioning of medical leaves and unexplained withholding of salaries. Recently, 22 second-year students were unjustly detained despite having satisfactory attendance records, adding to the growing list of grievances against the principal.
Principal’s Defense Against Allegations
In response to the allegations, Dr. Aruna has denied any wrongdoing, attributing the non-functional lift to a lack of government funds for repairs. She invited external parties to spend time at the institution to witness the situation firsthand, asserting that the faculty members making these allegations are the ones failing to conduct their classes properly.
“I appeared before the committee and submitted all the evidence I have against these allegations. I hope the committee makes a rational decision,” Dr. Aruna said.
Awaiting Resolution
The dental college community awaits the findings of the DME’s committee and subsequent actions. The resolution of these issues is crucial for restoring a conducive learning and working environment and ensuring that patients receive the care they need without undue hardship.
