Thiruvananthapuram: While the state government has reportedly spruced up many primary health centres and hospitals at taluk and district levels, the general hospital in the city remains in a deplorable condition. As the largest public sector hospital after the government medical college hospital, the general hospital operates from a building that urgently requires maintenance and repainting.
The pathway leading to the general outpatient block is riddled with potholes. During rain, water accumulates in front of the in-gate arch, and a similar situation prevails at the out gate. The conical roof of the gateway arch lacks tiled roofing, exposing it to the elements.
Although a portion of the campus where outpatients and relatives move around is paved with interlocked tiles, the overall facility presents an unkempt appearance. An abandoned police outpost on the premises has broken chairs tossed about, adding to the neglect.
The doctors' room in the main building is an aluminium-partitioned enclosure with a conspicuous crack running from the top down to the white tiles. The walls of the building require repainting, though the heritage building on the campus remains well maintained.
Patients complain that the broken pathway makes walking back and forth difficult, especially during rain. After a brief downpour on Thursday evening, water pooled near the hospital gate. Kiran M, a relative of a patient, remarked that the hospital presents a shoddy look compared to the photos of government health centres displayed on the walls of the OP counter, which promote the efficiency of the government health system.
In response to space constraints, the state government is planning to construct a Rs 137 crore four-storey new block. This block is expected to house many specialities, laboratories, and other facilities, aiming to alleviate the current overcrowding and improve patient care.
