MP govt’s ‘Music therapy’ plan for Indore hospital strikes wrong note

The Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to install a centralised music system at the state-run MY hospital to play therapeutic music for patients has not gone down well with the doctors at the medical facility.

The Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to install a centralised music system at the state-run MY hospital to play therapeutic music for patients has not gone down well with the doctors at the medical facility.

The MP government’s decision to install a centralised music system at the MY hospital to play therapeutic music for patients has not gone down well with the doctors. (HT file photo)

A section of doctors at the hospital criticised the decision, saying it was “uncalled for” as children and cardiac patients will be adversely affected by the move.

“The sound system has been installed under the Kayakalp scheme and a lot of money was spent on it. However, the argument remains that the money could have been used for some other things…” said a resident doctor, who did not wish to be named.

Citing a World Health Organsiation guideline, he said, “It is mentioned in the guidelines issued for hospitals and healthcare sectors that noise on the premises should be below 30-40 decibels so that patients don’t get affected.”

“The action is a clear violation of the same,” he said.

However, Indore divisional commissioner Sanjay Dubey said, “We are not playing rock music in the hospital that it will disturb patients. Light music is being played which helps in energising patients.”

“On Sunday, we played Gandhiji’s bahajan. Moreover care has been taken that the volume is not high. The doctors are simply opposing it as the system will work as a public announcement system as well which they fear will curb down the laid back attitude doctors possessed.”

Dr AD Bhatnagar, superintendent of MY hospital said, “We have installed a total of 41 speakers in the hospital. The manual control can be done from my office. If any doctor feels that it will disturb the patients or the volume is high they are free to report it to me in writing.”

“But so far none of them have come out to oppose about it.”

The MP government’s decision to install a centralised music system at the MY hospital to play therapeutic music for patients has not gone down well with the doctors.