Pune: A surprise inspection of the mobile cancer diagnostic van deployed in Pune circle on Tuesday revealed that it lacked basic tools like a stethoscope, a pulse oximeter, and a BP machine while the record book meant for patients’ information was not properly maintained. Dr Bhagwan Pawar, deputy director of the health department for Pune circle, told TOI on Thursday that he warned officials after his visit to the van stationed at the rural hospital at Natapute in Malshiras taluka to make sure that it was optimally used or they would face strict action.“The vehicle was found unclean, there was no disinfection system for the equipment, and the driver was absent. I found that the main problem was the lack of coordination between district and taluka officials. Since this is our pilot project, the success of this van will determine the future course of action,” Pawar said.The health department had purchased eight vans for screening and diagnosing oral, breast and cervical cancer in rural areas across Maharashtra. One of them was assigned to Pune circle. Pawar said the van also lacked the basic equipment necessary for diagnosis such as ring and endocervical curettage forceps and an oral biopsy set. Crucial tools like a hemoglobinometer (manual and digital), torch, and an ENT OPD unit were also missing, he said.“The van is essentially deployed to cater to patients in rural areas. So, the staff must be hospitable and ensure that they guide the patients properly. During my visit, I also saw that there was no proper risk scoring using the community-based assessment checklist method and there was no referral system in place either. Patients were deprived of counselling sessions after screening and diagnosis. Each van has a nodal officer, and when it enters a particular taluka or village, the taluka health officer or the medical superintendent has to directly monitor the staff. The equipment comes along with the van, and so the staff is supposed to use them,” Pawar said, adding he instructed the staff to ensure immediate corrections.
