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The dental chairs are as good as barbers chairs

Publication: The Times Of India Mumbai;Date: Mar 12, 2004;Section: Bombay Times;Page: 25

The dental chairs are as good as barbers chairs

What has caused the strike?
It is not just one issue but a host of issues that is plaguing the hospital. Our conscience does not permit us to
carry out treatment of patients, because of the risk to their lives.
What problems is the hospital currently faced with?
They have a drilling machine with a compressor that is thirty years old. Students are asked to bring their own
handpieces. We dont have gloves, disposable equipment, face masks. The sterilisers dont work. The paediatric
ward is probably the worst in the country. We dont have simple things like cotton. The dental chairs are as good
as barbers chairs. Some of the students have developed orthopedic problems.
Are you saying that you are at a high risk of infection and other physical problems?
Definitely. One of our toppers died of Hepatitis B and some others have tuberculosis. The patients are in a worse
situation. When we treat one infected patient, four others run the risk of contracting an infection. There is no
separate protocol for HIV patients either.
What other issues are you protesting against?
The area around St Georges hospital is infested with drug addicts. There has been several cases of molestation
as well as thefts and stone throwing in the hostel. We had asked for police protection but nothing has happened.
Had you taken up the issue with the authorities?
The concerned authorities told us that funds are not available. When treatment costs have gone up from Rs 5 to
Rs 50 for a silver filling and from Rs 2 to Rs 50 for an x-ray, why cant the budget allocation for the hospital
increase? Besides even our fees are higher. We even tried meeting the health secretary and minister of state for
medical education Suresh Shetty.
SHARMISTHA CHATTERJEE
sharmistha.chatterjee@timesgroup.com

MADHU SINGHAL Intern, Government Dental College & Hospital On why students and interns have gone on
strike

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