A section of the ceiling in the washing area attached to the emergency operation theatre complex at Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital recently collapsed, narrowly avoiding what doctors described as a potentially serious incident at one of east Delhi's busiest government hospitals.
No injuries were reported as no staff member was present in the washing area at the time. The space is used by medical staff to scrub before and after surgeries and is part of the round-the-clock emergency OT complex.
Recurring Structural Issues
For many doctors and hospital staff, the incident is not isolated but another warning sign from a building they say has shown visible deterioration for years. A resident doctor revealed that a portion of the roof and false ceiling had fallen inside the operation theatre a few months ago as well. While no one was injured then either, staff said the latest collapse has renewed concerns over safety for both healthcare workers and patients in the ageing emergency block.
Medical staff reported that damaged false ceilings have exposed rusted iron rods at several points, while seepage has affected ceilings, pillars and other structural elements. They alleged that repeated complaints have not led to adequate repairs.
High Surgical Load
The emergency OT complex is among the busiest units in the hospital, carrying out more than 15 to 20 surgeries daily across specialities including orthopaedics, general surgery, neurosurgery and ENT. Doctors said there had earlier been discussions on shifting emergency services to nearby Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, but no clear communication was issued to staff.
Beyond the OT Complex
Concerns also extend beyond the OT complex. Hospital personnel pointed to faulty sewage lines, leaking pipes and persistent water seepage in parts of the old building. A senior doctor said the structure, which was expected to be phased out but later received an extension, continues to face ageing-related issues. Staff also reported blocked washrooms and sewage water accumulation on the ground floor during rainfall.
They further flagged delays in a long-pending expansion project. According to doctors, the iron framework of a proposed four-storey building behind the Delhi State Cancer Institute has remained incomplete for four to five years.
Expansion Plans
The concerns come amid plans to expand GTB Hospital significantly. A major revamp project was proposed to raise capacity from 881 to 1,687 beds at an estimated cost of around Rs 500 crore. Government records show the project was sanctioned in September 2021 and later revised to 1,912 beds. The current hospital building was completed in 1991. While the hospital officially has around 1,400 beds, officials estimate occupancy frequently exceeds 1,500. In March this year, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced plans to integrate GTB Hospital, Delhi State Cancer Institute and Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital into a unified autonomous medical institution on the lines of AIIMS.
No response was available from the hospital administration or the Delhi government on the ceiling collapse, building condition or status of expansion work.
