ICU AC failure leaves critical patients struggling at SSG hospital

Vadodara: More than 30 critically ill patients at SSG Hospital have endured sweltering conditions for nearly five days after central air-conditioning failed in key ICUs, with repeated power fluctuations compounding disruptions at central Gujarat’s largest govt hospital.

Authorities on Wednesday said Medical ICU (MICU) and Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) were affected, creating difficulties for patients and medical staff during peak summer heat.

Doctors and administrators said they had repeatedly flagged the issue to maintenance agencies, but the problem persists.

“We have no complaints about the treatment provided by doctors, but the ACs in the ICU should be functioning. It is difficult for even a healthy person to bear the peak summer heat. How can critically ill patients be expected to endure such conditions?” said a patient’s relative.

Medical superintendent Dr Ranjan Aiyer said the hospital has limited control over repairs. “We are dependent on PIU engineers and are helpless, as maintenance of these systems is not in our control,” he said.

Officials said the malfunction coincided with frequent voltage fluctuations and feeder failures, leading to repeated power disruptions. Interruptions in supply from Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL) have worsened the situation.

“There have been multiple interruptions. I have conveyed the issue to the concerned authorities and lodged complaints through the grievance redressal system,” Aiyer said.

The hospital has also faced other infrastructure problems. One lift remained non-functional for four days due to technical faults, inconveniencing patients, including those undergoing dialysis. Some dialysis patients were referred to GMERS Hospital in Gotri. The lift was restored on Wednesday.

Sources said rodents had damaged wiring in certain sections, prompting pest-control measures. However, the air-conditioning system remained non-functional.