Medical Centre (MedC), the sole medical facility on campus, has been a vital part of BITS Pilani for decades. The English Press Club (EPC) investigated MedC’s impact on the student populace by conducting a survey to gather public sentiment.
The survey, which garnered well over 100 responses, was intended to collect students’ perspectives on the facility, the quality of treatment they were provided, and the experiences they underwent. A considerable majority of 82% visited MedC recently—either this semester or the previous one—and rated the quality of doctors with an average score of 2.42/5. The respondents also believed that the treatment they had been offered was lacking, with more than half of them stating the medication either didn’t help at all or helped very minimally. This was backed by many claiming that the doctors at MedC prescribed medication before listening to the patients’ complaints completely. One of the surveyees even recalled how he suffered from a throat infection last semester, and the doctor refused to treat him because ‘he wasn’t running a fever’.
Overlooking symptoms was not the only problem the participants complained about, as many shared that they were prescribed medication that they felt was unnecessary or ‘overkill’ for their situation. Despite widespread dissatisfaction with MedC, ten per cent of respondents were content with the treatment they received. They claimed MedC aided in their recovery, albeit with a lack of staff.
With all the feedback in mind, the EPC interviewed Dr Guru Prasad Burnwal, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO)—a general physician specialising in diabetology—to gain insight into the other side of the story. He began by sharing that MedC had been established for the well-being of the staff and students on campus. He added that the facility employed approximately 20 full-time employees, including nurses, doctors, and other specialists.
Being the only medical institution on campus, students and staff expect to have constant access to MedC. The CMO stated it was true that the facility would stay closed on institute holidays. He clarified that despite their regular operations being shut down, a doctor and a nurse were always available at MedC to respond to emergencies. He further stated that they lived on the first floor of the building. Their numbers can be found on the page about MedC on the BITS Pilani website, which explains the claim of staying open 24/7.
When asked what he thinks about students who have reservations about visiting MedC due to past experiences or otherwise, he said that most patients were comfortable approaching them. He conveyed that many patients sent their peers or family in their stead with their list of symptoms, and the network of superintendents, chowkis and even wardens helps MedC reach those in need.
Following the previous query, when questioned about how MedC dealt with complaints regarding misdiagnosis and improper treatment, the CMO asserted that healthcare professionals at MedC worked constantly, except on institute holidays. He claimed that they didn’t receive many complaints, and the ones they did were ‘usual in nature’ and not out of the ordinary. The CMO also addressed the lack of equipment present in MedC, such as ultrasound machines, as a common complaint. He assured that despite the absence of these appliances, they were capable of carrying out most necessary laboratory tests. In line with these complaints, MedC has plans to expand its operations. As proof of this, they recently installed an X-ray machine, which is awaiting licensing, and a new physiotherapy unit also became operational two months prior. The CMO further revealed that discussions were underway to establish an inpatient department consisting of 10-15 beds.
Closing off the interview, the CMO commented on the recent wave of throat infections plaguing the campus. He attributed it to a change in the weather and the students’ adjustment to the new environment. He mentioned that post-pandemic, many have also become susceptible to upper respiratory tract diseases due to diminished immunity. The CMO shared a few words for the students, encouraging them not to fear and to approach MedC whenever they want. The establishment has been set up for their welfare, and they should avail themselves of all the benefits they can from it.