Patients and their relatives at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur are grappling with severe hardships, including an acute shortage of drinking water, non-functional toilets, poor sanitation, and faulty medical equipment. These issues have become major concerns on the hospital premises.
Water Coolers Non-Functional
Visitors and attendants reported that several water coolers were not working, forcing patients to struggle for drinking water amid the scorching summer heat. Wards and toilets remain unclean, while newly constructed toilets are yet to be made operational, adding to the inconvenience.
Security and Equipment Concerns
Concerns have also been raised over the presence of anti-social elements, particularly at night, and the breakdown of key medical machines. This compels poor patients to spend between ₹1,500 and ₹3,000 outside for tests and treatment.
Shiv Sena Delegation Raises Issues
Led by Shiv Sena East Vidarbha head Pravin Lata Balmukund Sharma, a delegation raised these six major concerns on Saturday. They demanded immediate repair and installation of water coolers, strict and regular cleanliness across hospital premises, enhanced security especially at night, immediate opening of newly built Sulabh toilets, and restricting ward access to one attendant per patient.
Sharma stated that these issues directly affect poor and common patients and urged the government to take urgent action and submit a compliance report for further follow-up.
Government Response
The issues were formally raised by the Shiv Sena Medical Assistance Cell, which submitted a memorandum to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Health Minister Prakash Abitkar. During a video interaction from Mantralaya, a top officer directed GMCH officials to ensure that patients are not sent outside to purchase medicines, assuring availability within the hospital. He also instructed that any shortage of medicines or non-functional machinery be reported immediately for swift action.
Authorities have indicated that arrangements for chilled drinking water will be made within two days, along with the opening of toilet facilities, and immediate steps have been ordered to improve sanitation. The delegation has sought urgent action on all issues and asked the government to submit a compliance report, stating that the situation directly impacts poor and vulnerable patients.
