Guru Nanak Dev Hospital: Addressing Patient Concerns – Eyesore Issues
Hospital grapples with Pervasive Plastic Waste Despite Outsourced Cleanliness
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Amritsar: Despite outsourcing its cleanliness operations to a private agency, a prominent city hospital is struggling with a notable accumulation of plastic waste in its open spaces, raising concerns about hygiene and potential health hazards.
Lingering Litter: A Persistent Problem
The sprawling complex of the Guru Nanak Dev Hospital (GNDH) presents a disheartening picture,with plastic mixed waste frequently found strewn across open areas. This situation is especially concerning given the mandatory requirement for hospitals to maintain rigorous cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of infections.”It is indeed disheartening to see such a poor state of affairs as far as cleanliness in the hospital complex is concerned,” commented raman Kumar, who was visiting a patient. He further warned that during the monsoon season, these garbage dumps could become breeding grounds for infectious diseases. The problem is not confined to general areas; plastic garbage has also been observed in the green compost pits located opposite the newly constructed state cancer institute building.
Hospital authorities acknowledge that the issue is not solely due to the negligence of the management. they point to the large influx of people visiting the hospital daily – over 10,000 individuals, often accompanied by four to five attendants per patient – as a significant contributing factor.Many of these visitors reportedly bring plastic waste with them, which is then discarded in open spaces.
Dr. Karamjit Singh, Medical Superintendent of GNDH, highlighted that “over 90 per cent of the waste generated here is in the form of plastic bags.” He stated that repeated appeals have been made to the public, many of whom belong to middle, lower-middle, and economically weaker sections, to refrain from bringing and discarding plastic materials. The hospital does collect waste near its outer wall along Majitha Road.
Municipal corporation’s Role and Hospital’s Efforts
The hospital administration also emphasized the role of the municipal corporation in waste management. Dr. Singh noted that it is the municipal corporation’s responsibility to lift garbage from outside the emergency ward. While they currently do so on alternate days, the hospital has formally requested daily garbage collection to address the persistent issue more effectively.
The GNDH has contracted the Punjab Ex-serviceman Corporation (PESCO) for cleanliness services. However, PESCO’s mandate is primarily focused on maintaining hygiene within the hospital wards and the immediate interior premises, leaving the external open spaces as a point of contention.The ongoing challenge underscores the need for a comprehensive waste management strategy that involves all stakeholders to ensure a healthier habitat for patients and visitors alike.